LIBRARY 

OF  THE 

UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA 

GIF"T  OF" 


C/^ss 


POEMS  OF  LOVE  AND  HOME 


WILLIAM      WENDELL     RILEY 


POEMS  of  LOVE  and  HOME 


BY 

WILLIAM  WENDELL  RILEY 


Los  ANGELES,   CALIFORNIA 

COMMERCIAL  PRINTING  HOUSE 

MCMVI 


All  rights  reserved  by  the  Author 

COPYRIGHTED 


GOPYRIQHT  1906  BY 

W.  W.  RIUEY 


to.  Ad 

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OF  THE 

UNIVERSITY 

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To     MY    WIFE 


CONTENTS 

POEMS  OF  LOVE  AND  HOME  PAGE 

Proem 11 

WHITHER   SAILING  1 15 

THE   IRISH-AMERICAN 17 

MY  OLD  FRIEND  BEN 18 

STRIKE  HANDS  WITH  JESUS  .      .     .     .     .     .      .23 

ONLY  A  WISH   .      .      .      ......      .      .25 

UNITY 26 

BIGGEST   TIME 27 

FRIENDSHIP— LOST  AND  FOUND 28 

MY  MOTHER'S  CALL 30 

WERE  I  A  LITTLE  BUTTERFLY 31 

JUNE 33 

A  TRIBUTE  To  THE  C.  E.  SOCIETY 35 

SORROWS  SWEEP  MY  SOUL 38 

EVENING   PRAYER 39 

THE  AMERICAN  WAY 41 

To  MOTHER  .  .  42 


CONTENTS 

PAGE 

HONEYSUCKLE— MEMORIES 44 

THE  WIDOW  BY  THE  SEA  .      ....      .      .      .46 

WAVIN'  HANDS .     \      .      .      .  48 

MISSIONS .      .     -     .      .49 

A  CALIFORNIA  DESERT  .....      .     .J     .      .53 

A  CALIFORNIA  HOME    .     .      ......      .      .54 

How  LONG? "".     .     .     .     .55 

A  VACATION  IN  WISCONSIN 58 

TRY  AND   TRUST 60 

DREI  DEICHER  BOYS 61 

GOING  AWAY— COMING  HOME     ......     63 

A  MOTHER'S  GRAVE 64 

FAMILY  LUXURIES ,    .      .66 

THE  COUNTRY  SIDE— 

ON  EARTH 67 

IN  HEAVEN 69 

JOHN  SHANK'S  NIGHTMARE 71 

A   PROOF 73 

THE  CLOCK  STRIKES  TWELVE 74 

MAN'S    KINSHIP 77 

SHALL  WE  TOIL  IN  HEAVEN?  .  78 


CONTENTS 

PAGE 

ME  AND  MARY  ANN,  VISITIN' 80 

SILENCE  OF  THE  CANYON 89 

GOOD  BY  DEVONA 90 

THE  BULLION  STATE 92 

WHAT  Is  LIFE? 96 

MINE  LEETLE  BOY 98 

A  GOLDEN  WEDDING 100 

"I  AM  THE  WAY" .       103 

THE  FUTURE      .      .      .     .      .      .      .      .      .      .       104 

PEACE .      .       107 

LOVE  AND  HOPE 108 

A  MOONLIGHT  MEDITATION 109 

THANKSGIVIN' 110 

Do  I  LIKE  WORK? 113 

"FOOLISHNESS  OF  PREACHING" 114 

OLD  OCEAN 115 

STAR  OF  BETHLEHEM 117 

AN   ESTIMATE 11C 

A  RESOLUTION 121 

MY  SWEETHEART'S  BOUQUET 122 

LET  THERE  BE  LIGHT  .  123 


CONTENTS 

PAGE 

LIVELY  STOCK 124 

THE  OLD  HOME .  126 

SONG  OF  FAITH .  128 

CHRISTMAS  DAY .  129 

A  CALIFORNIA  NEWCOMER .  130 

LIFE  CONTINUED .  132 

I  AM  TIRED 133 

A  JUNE  VISIT 135 

DEDICATED  TO  KERN  RIVER  OIL  MEN  ....  137 

AN  ANGEL'S  Kiss 140 

WILL  You  Miss  ME? 141 

GOD'S  SOLDIERS 144 

THOUGHTS  OF  GOD 145 

•WE  PART  TO  MEET  AGAIN 147 

WIND,  EARTHQUAKE,  FIRE,  VOICE     ....  148 

Two  LOVERS 152 

BEAUTIES  OF  THE  GRAND  CANYON     ....  153 
THE  VETERAN  CHRISTIAN  .                                 . 


POEMS  OF  LOVE  AND  HOME 


PROEM 

SONG      OP   LOVE 

Sing  to  me  the  songs  of  love, 
Like  the  cooing s  of  the  fove; 
Sing  them  softly,  sing  them  low, 
Songs  we  sung,  long,  long   ago 
As  we  strolled  by  trickling  streams 
Loitering  on,  where  silvery  gleams 
Of  the  full  moon's  somber  light, 
Shines  down  thru  the  trees  at  night. 
In  these  shadows  lovers  met, 
When  the  grass  with  dew  was  wet, 
Then  strolled  on   beneath  the  stars, 
Down  the  path,  thru  pasture  bars, 
On,  and  on,  beneath  the  stars, 
On,  beyond  the  pasture  bars; 
Whispering  words  of  home  and  love, 
Like  the  cooings  of  the  dove! 
11 


SONG     OF  LOVE 

Years  have  passed.    They  wander  still 
Down  beside  the  crumbling  mill, 
In  the  full  moon's  somber  light, 
"When  the  dew  is  sparkling  bright. 
Three   bright  children  coyly  sleep, 
Safe  at  home,  while  moon  beams  peep, 
Thru  the  windows  of  their  room, 
In  the  lovliness  of  June! 

They  stroll  on,  beneath  the  stars, 
On  beyond  the  pasture  bars, 
Whispering  words  of  home  and  love, 
Like  the  cooings  of  the  dove. 


PROEM 

SONG    OF    HOME 

Sing  to  me  the  songs  of  home, 
Where  the  bees  so  softly  droned 
'Mong  the  crimson  clover  bloom, 
Gathering  nectar-sweets  in  June; 
Where  I've  loitered  many  hours, 
Lazily  among  the  flowers; 
Or  just  wallowed  in  the  sun 
When  my  tasks  had  all  been  done! 

Then  the  earth  was  fresh  and  new, 
Under  heaven's  azure  blue; 
Sparkling  diamonds,  in  the  dew, 
Falling  dews,  for  me   and  you; 
Where  the  songster,  lady  Thrush, 
Sat  alone  in  my  rose  bush, 
Just  contented  in  the  sun, 
Singing  love  songs,  one  by  one! 
13 


SONG    OP    HOME 

And  the  rambo  apple  tree 

Handed  down  its  fruit  to  me. 

Then  this  world  was  full  of  joy 

For  a  sun-tanned  little  'boy. 

And  God's  heavens  lent  o'er  that  home, 

Where  the  bees  so  softly  droned, 

In  a  unique  sort  of  way, 

And  our  hearts  were  glad  each  day! 

Sing  to  me  the  songs  of  home, 

Where  the  lees  so  softly  droned, 

Gathering  nectar-sweets  in  June 

From  the  crimson  clover  bloom. 


14 


WHITHER  SAILING? 

WE  ARE  sailing,  we  are  sailing, 

On  the  ocean  wide, 
Sailing  onward,  sailing  onward, 

Sailing  with  the  tide. 
Are  we  sailing,  onward  sailing 

Toward  a  land  of  rest? 
Are  we  sailing,  sailing,  sailing 

Toward  a  haven  blest? 

Aged  sailors,  wise  old  sailors, 

All  ye  sailors  brave, 
Ever  sailing,  ever  sailing, 

On  the  ocean  wave, 
Can  you  tell  us  where  we're  sailing 

On  the  ocean  wide? 
Are  we  sailing,  sailing,  sailing 

Toward  the  other  side? 
15 


WHITHER    SAILING? 

Other  vessels  sail  the  ocean 
Sailing,  sailing  on. 

Vessels  meeting,  strangers  greeting, 
But  they  soon  are  gone. 

Sailing,  meeting,  greeting,  parting- 
Such  is  life  each  day. 

Meeting,  greeting,  parting,  sailing- 
Sailing  far  away. 

Shall  we  anchor  in  some  harbor 

When  life's  voyage  is  done, 
Where  no  turbid  billows  toss  us 

And  no  tempests  come? 
Where  true  sailors  of  the  ages, 

Shall  forever  rest? 
Are  we  sailing,  sailing,  sailing 

Toward  that  haven  blest? 


16 


THE  IRISH  AMERICAN 

I  WAS  born  in  the  Emerald  Isle, 

But  this  land  uv  the  free  will  beguile 

A  poor  Irishman's  heart; 

It  will  give  him  a  start, 
To  live  in  American  style. 

Begorry  this  country's  all  right. 

You  kin  always  hev  peace  er  a  fight, 
You  kin  hev  what  you  want, 
You're  a  fool  ef  you  don't. 

New  Erin  is  clean  out  uv  sight. 

Begorry  my  Bridgett  shall  come, 
Here  we  will  build  us  a  home, 

We  will  feather  our  nest 

In  this  land  uv  the  west 
Just  like  all  the  ithers  hev  done. 


17 


MY  OLD  FRIEND  BEN 

I'D  RUTHER  see  my  old  time  friend 
Of  school  boy  days— we  called  him  Ben 
And  talk  and  laugh  as  we  used  to  do 
When  one  er  t'other  was  feelin'  blue, 
Than  any  one  who  breathes  the  air, 
And  tramps  the  earth  round  anywhere. 
Old  Ben  was  true,  clean  thru  and  thru. 
He  was  allers  dividin'  up  with  you, 
Fearin'  you  wouldn't  git  yer  share 
Of  all  the  joys  earth  had  to  spare. 

When  some  hard  problem  was  my  lot 
In  ^ithmetic  er  some  sich  rot, 
I'd  ask  old  Ben;  'twas  him  I'd  choose 
To  help  me  out.    Did  he  refuse^ 
Never.     Why  he'd  suffer  a  year 
Before  he'd  wring  a  single  tear 
From  any  eye.    He'd  set  right  down, 
And  do  that  problem  up  in  brown. 
18 


MY  OLD  FRIEND  BEN 

He'd  allers  act  in  such  a  way 
You'd  ask  again  another  day 
If  you  wanted  to ;  fur  he  was  glad 
To  be  a  help  to  any  lad. 

When  all  the  young  folks  livin'  'round 
Wanted  a  singin'  in  the  town, 
Ben  would  lead  in  a  sweet  love  song 
Er  an  old  Church  hymn,  a  half  mile  long. 
Sometimes  he'd  race  with  girls  and  boys, 
Sometimes  play  doll,  buy  Christmas  toys , 
To  please  the  folks.    The  old  and  the  young 
Felt  right  at  home,  enjoyed  the  fun. 

Sometimes  we  youngsters  wanted  fun 
Like  a  kissin'  party,  er  somethun 
Of  the  kind.    Why,  Ben  was  the  man 
To  git  it  up.    'Twould  beat  the  band 
How  we  enjoyed  them  old  school  days; 
"Snap  and  ketch  em"  was  the  poplar  play. 
As  well  as  I  kin  now  describe, 
This  play  was  on  the  followin'  wise: 
19 


MY  OLD  FRIEND  BEN 

A  boy  would  ' '  snap ' '  some  purty  girl. 
He  'd  dash  away  and  run  and  whirl, 
And  she  right  at  his  heels.    Around 
The  room  they'd  fly.     Did  joy  abound? 
They'd  run,  the  two,  'till  he  was  caught. 
A  kiss  was  next.     'Twas  sometimes  fraught 
With  danger  to  them  both.    But  oft 
The  girl  would  let  him  press  her  soft 
Cheek  with  a  kiss.    Sometimes  'twas  best 
To  hold  her  in  his  arms  and  rest, 
So  out  of  breath  you  know !    Glory  ! 
But  I  must  go  on  with  my  story. 

Ben  went  to  church.    He  led  in  prayer 
With  quite  a  ministerial  air, 
And  said  fine  words  and  comforted 
The  orphan,  like  a  father  would ; 
Encouraged  all  with  a  life  of  cheer 
And  helped  the  Lord  to  answer  prayer. 
He  often  said,  and  lived  it  too, 
Just  like  a  Christian  ought  to  do: 


20 


MY  OLD  FRIEND  BEN. 

"Our  faith,  is  silver.    Hope  is  gold. 
They  richen  men   in  heart  and  soul ; 
But  love 's  the  key  of  heaven 's  door, 
Fur  all  the  worthy,  rich  and  poor; 
If  one  shall  live  them  day  by  day, 
And  cast  his  selfish  self  away, 
These  graces  three,  that  God  has  given, 
Will  lead  that  wayward  one  to  heaven." 

Alas!  he  went  his  chosen  way, 

And  I  went  mine.     'Tis  a  solemn  day 

When  friends  must  say,  "Farewell  my  friend, 

"Good  bye  my  Bill,"  "Good  bye  my  Ben." 

He  took  a  wife  and  so  did  I. 

He  prospered  well  and  climbed  up  high. 

He  has  the  gold,  and  children  four, 

And  Jfcnds  and  farms.    And  more  and  more 

The  Lord  piles  up  his  gathered  store 

While  I  remain  among  the  poor. 

But  should  I  need  a  gooc^true  friend, 
I  'd  find  none  better  than  old  Ben. 


21 


MY  OLD  FRIEND  BEN 

He'd  comfort  as  he  used  to  do 
When  one  er  'tother  was  feelin'  blue. 
He'd  help  me  solve  life's  '  ithmetic, 
Just  where  a  poor  man's  sure  to  stick. 
If  he  has  prospered  more  than  me 
In  gettin'  wealth,  why,  I  am  free 
To  say  he 's  deservin '  all  he  owns 
In  city  llnds  and  country  homes. 

I  've  traveled  'round  this  old  world  some, 
I've  seen  some  men,  and  nary  one 
Is  better 'n  Ben.    In  all  the  earth 
Pew  equal  him  in  genuine  worth. 
Of  all  the  good  words  said  of  Ben 
They'll  never  be  too  good  fur  him. 
The  wonder  is :    One  mortal  man 
Could  all  embrace  God's  noblest  plan. 


22 


STRIKE  HANDS  WITH  JESUS 

HAVE  you  fallen  in  sin, 

On  life's  rugged  road? 
Give  Jesus  your  burden, 

He  will  carry  your  load. 
He  will  scatter  the  fogs, 

That  make  heaven  obscure. 
Just  strike  hands  with  Jesus, 

He  will  help  you  endure. 

When  homesick  and  heartsick. 

In  need  of  a  friend, 
Remember  that  Jesus 

Will  love  to  the  end. 
Earth  friends  may  forsake  you 

And  leave  your  heart  sore, 
Just  strike  hands  with  Jesus, 

Your  friend  evermore. 
23 


STRIKE    HANDS    WITH    JESUS 

Get  right  with  your  Savior, 

Oh,  give  him  your  heart. 
Your  work  must  be  finished, 

Ere  you  shall  depart. 
When  death  has  been  conquered, 

And  troubles  are  o'er, 
We'll  strike  hands  with  Jesus, 

On  heaven 's  bright  shore ! 


24 


ONLY  A  WISH 

I  STROLLED  thru  the  field 

I  tilled  long  ago, 
When  I  was  a  lad 

With  Harvey  and  Joe. 
Since  I  followed  the  plow 

And  turned  the  rich  soil, 
And  grew  golden  grain, 

By  patience  and  toil; 
The  world  has  been  changed, 

And  time  has  changed  me ; 
I  've  seen  the  great  sights 

On  land  and  on  sea. 
But  the  halcyon  days, 

I  long  for  them  now! 
Down  on  the  old  farm, 

Just  following  the  plow. 


UNITY 

LET  none  presume  because  of  creeds, 

His  church  shall  live  thru  coming  years. 

No  church  shall  live,  but  by  the  deeds 
Done  for  the  race,  now  bathed  in  tears. 

May  party  names  no  more  be  heard 
Among  the  ransomed  of  our  King. 

For  Jesus  claims  us  in  His  Word, 

And  to  His  name  may  Christians  cling. 

One  name,  one  Book,  one  Shepherd  dear, 
One  faith,  one  fold,  one  God  to  love, 

One  cross  to  bear,  while  we  journey  here, 
One  crown  to  wear,  in  heaven  above. 


26 


BIGGEST  TIME 

SOME  men  seek  pleasure  in  the  pipe, 
Some  love  to  tell  a  riddle; 

Some  hev  great  sport  a  shootin'  snipe, 
Fur  fun,  some  play  the  fiddle; 

But  the  biggest  time  Oi  iver  had, 
Wuz  sparkin'  uv  me  Sarry, 

A-settin'  up  the  hull  night  thru, 
Decidin'  when  we'd  marry! 


27 


FRIENDSHIP-LOST  AND  FOUND 

YOUTH 

THE  happy  days  of  youth 's  glad  time, 

Are  passed  fore'er  away, 
The  "red  school  house"  is  trumbling  down, 

Where  he  with  others  played. 
Glad  boys  and  girls  who  gathered  there, 

Were  all  his  early  friends. 
*  *  Where  are  they  now  ? "  his  heart  cries  out. 

They're  gone;  they're  lost  to  "Mini. 

MANHOOD 
Where  are  the  hosts  of  brawny  men, 

And  maidens  in  their  bloom, 
Whose  hands  he  clasped  in  friendship's  grasp, 

Before  his  sun  touched  noon? 
They  all  have  gone  the  ways  of  men, 

And  left  a  lonely  friend, 
Whose  heart  for  them  cries  out  in  vain. 

They're  gone;  they're  lost  to  him. 
28 


FRIENDSHIP— LOST    AND    FOUND 
AGE 

An  aged  man  sits  by  the  fire, 

And  ponders  o'er  past  days, 
And  in  the  passing  of  the  years, 

His  mind  is  in  a  haze 
To  know  where  all  the  hosts  have  gone, 

That  used  to  call  him  friend ; 
Your  heart  and  mine  know  this  full  well 

They're  gone;  they're  lost  to  him. 

HEAVEN. 
This  noble  man  made  Christian  friends, 

In  passing  thru  earth  scenes. 
Among  the  brightest  crowns  of  heaven, 

His  crown  will  ever  gleam. 
He  mingles  with  the  white-robed  throng, 

And  many  a  long, lost  friend 
Is  his,  indeed,  forevermore. 

They're  found  in  heaven  by  him. 


20 


MY  MOTHER'S  CALL 

OH  THE  good  old  days  are  gone ; 

I  am  standing  here  alone— 
A  lone  and  weary  traveler  in  the  land— 

And  I  think  of  the  old  swing, 

Orchard,  brook,  and  everything 
That  clustered  'round  my  childhood  home  so  grand. 

How  we  climbed  the  cherry  trees, 

How  we  scaled  the  apple  trees, 
And  we  knew  the  berry  patches  far  and  near ; 

The  persimmons  and  pawpaws, 

Hazelnuts  and  grapes  and  haws, 
All  paid  their  tribute  to  the  boys  without  a  care. 

I  remember  every  spot, 

Blooming  with  "forget-me-nots"— 
The  flower  that's  like  the  sky,  or  summer's  sea-> 

I  remember  best  of  all 

Mother's  voice  when  she  would  call, 
"My  Billy  boy,  my  darling  Billy,  .come  to  me." 


30 


WERE   I  A  LITTLE   BUTTERFLY 

Were  I  a  little  butterfly, 

I  think  I'd  never  want  to  cry. 

I'd  live  in  quiet, sunny  spots, 

Where  bloom  the  wild  forget-me-nots, 

And  blue-eyed  bells  and  poppies,  too, 

The  sweetest  flowers  of  every  hue. 

The  shining  dew  would  be  my  drink, 

The  flowers  would  give  me  food,  I  think, 

My  clothes  would  be  the  kingly  sort, 

I'd  conjure  up  the  finest  sport. 

I  'd  live  and  love  in  sunny  nooks, 

Read  mother  Nature's  pretty  books, 

I'd  flit  and  flirt  with  all  the  flowers, 

And  pass  away  the  golden  hours. 

I  'd  have  a  sweetheart  too,  you  bet, 
The  sweetest    sweetheart  heard  of  yet. 
We'd  take  excursions  to  the  hills, 
At  night  we'd  hear  the  whippoorwills. 

31 


WERE   I   A    LITTLE   BUTTERFLY 

And  then  sometimes  we  'd  watch  the  stars ; 
And  sit  up  nights  to  study  Mars, 
We'd  revel  in  a  world  of  joys, 
My  wife  and  I   and  girls  and  boys. 

But  as  I  strolled  this  very  morn, 
I  saw  a  lifeless, mangled  form 
Deep  in  the  dust.    A  butterfly, 
Like  man  or  beast  is  born  to  die ! 
Henceforth,  I'll  try  to  fill  my  place, 
And  run  with  man  life's  toilsome  race. 

It  will  not  pay 

To  dream  away 

The  golden  hours  of  life's  short  day. 
I'll  love  the  dear  Creator's  plan, 
And  be  content  to  be  a  MAN! 


32 


JUNE 

BLEST  month  of  June, 

For  thee  there's  room, 
Come,  bring  to  us  thy  sweet  perfume. 

Thy  precious  flowers, 

S-weet  scented  bowers, 
Are  welcomed  by  these  hearts  of  ours. 

The  feathered  throng, 

In  joyful  song, 
Shout  out  thy  praise  the  whole  day  long. 

In  shady  dells, 

Where  beauty  dwells, 
Young  sweethearts  meet,  love's  dream  to  tell; 

And  older  folks, 

In  double  yokes, 
O'er  beauties  thine  still  love  to  gloat; 

And  girls  and  boys, 

With  roguish  noise, 
Leave  book  and  desk  to  seek  thy  joys. 
33 


JUNE 

From  business  life, 

And  world's  device, 
Men  find  thy  shades  and  cease  from  strife. 

And  hearts  forlorn, 

Go  there  to  mourn, 
And  find  a  shelter  from  the  storm. 

0  month  most  dear 

Of  all  the  year, 
We'll  part  with  thee  tho'  with  a  tear. 

"When  life  is  done, 

It's  battles  won, 
And  all  our  duties  nobly  done, 

Then  heaven  is  ours, 

With  all  her  flowers, 
With  all  her  sweet;  sequestered  bowers! 

For  in  that  clime 

Of  summer  time, 
Where  joyous  bells  ne'er  cease  to  chime, 

'Twill  all  be  June, 

And  bud  and  bloom,— 
To  heaven 's  bowers  we  '11  all  go  soon ! 
34 


A  TRIBUTE   TO   THE   C.   E.   SOCIETY 

CHILD  of  the  earth,  but  by  the  angels  loved, 

Endeavor!    For  two  decades  thy  power, 

Born  of  heaven,  has  swayed  the  multitude. 

Thy  mission  is   to  lead  men  heavenward, 

And  teach  us  all  the  high  ideals  of  life. 

\V  ell  hast  thou  played  thy  part  on  earth 's  wide  stage ; 

God's  children  from  the  .coral  isles  afar, 

.And  from  all  lands  that  clasp  the  world  around, 

March  nobly  on  beneath  thy  banner  true. 

Men  talk  of  love  in  divers  tongues  and  pray 

" Thy  Kingdom  Come."     In  sweet  accord  they  sing 

Again,  the  angel  songs  of  Bethlehem; 

With  loud  acclaim  they  hail  the  Christ,  as  King. 

Endeavor  hosts  lift  high  thy  flag  o'er  earth. 
"Within  thy  ranks  are  stern-faced  men  who  lead 
The  battle's  front,  or  sit  in  senate  halls, 
Or  occupy  earth's  thrones,  and  rule  the  land. 

35 


A    TRIBUTE    TO   THE    C.    E.    SOCIETY 

ruled  themselves  by  Him  who  came  in  love, 
To  show  the  ruled  and         ruler  both  the  way. 
In  prison  cell,  and  on  the  rolling  sea, 
In  city  slum,  down  in  the  deep  dark  mine, 
In  tents  of  war,  in  mission  lands  afar, 
Around  the  w^orld,  wherever  man  is  found, 
Endeavor  songs  and  praises  till  the  air. 
The  parliaments  of  God's  nobility 
Are  teaching  men    the  brotherhood  of  man. 

The  little  child,  the  youth,  the  gray-haired  man, 
All  learn  of  Christ  within  thy  sacred  walls, 
Of  fairer  days,  of  brighter  worlds  than  this,— 
Resplendent  home,  for  all  the  world's  redeemed. 

Thou  dost  inspire  all  hearts  to  win  great  victories 
0  'er  all  the  under  world  of  sin  and  shame. 
Thou  leadest  men  to  Calvary's  rugged  heights, 
'Tis  there  they  feel  the  magic  of  the  crass, 
That  changes  all  it  touches   into  gold, 
And  turns  the  night  of  sin  to  brightest  day, 
And  makes  a  man  a  hero  in  the  the  earth, 
And  crowns  him  king  o'er  every  subtle  foe. 

36 


A    TRIBUTE    TO    THE    C.    E.    SOCIETY 

Endeavor  hosts !    An  army  of  our  Lord ! 

Thou  makest  millions  of  the  earth  obey 

Our  King,  the  Christ,  who  died  upon  the  cross, 

That  all  the  world  might  live  for  evermore ! 

Go,  garner  in  the  golden  grain  for  Him, 

"Go  forth,  and  conquer  all  the  world  for  Christ," 

Lead  all  the  world  to  crown  Him  "Lord  of  all," 

Our  Sovereign,  Ruler,  "Prophet,  Priest,  and  King." 


OF  THE 

UNIVERSITY 

OF 


37 


SORROWS  SWEEP  MY  SOUL 

SORROWS  sweep  my  soul 
Like  a  winter's  storm. 

Desolute  seems  earth, 

When  one  is  quite  forlorn. 

In  a  world  of  people, 

What  a  desert  drear, 
Hearts  as  cold  as  Greenland, 

None  to  love  and  cheer! 

Wish   my   boys   were    playing 
'Round  by  chair  today, 

And  my  wife  were  sitting 
By  my  side.     0  say! 

Then  I'd  be  as  happy 

As  a  meadow  lark, 
In  the  springtime  singing 

To  his  best  sweetheart. 


38 


EVENING  PRAYER 

WHEN  .the  day  is  nearly  over, 

And  our  daily  task  is  done, 
Then  we  turn  in  silent  wonder 

To  that  kind  and  gracious  One, 
Who  has  loved  us  in  all  sorrow 

That  we  've  borne  along  the  way ; 
He  will  ever  cheer  us  onward, 

As  we  journey  day  by  day. 

In  the  evening,  at  the  sunset, 

Beauty  speaks  from  every  hill. 
All   the    earth   is   wrapped   in    beauty, 

Yet  in  all  there's  something,  still, 
To  the  Christian  seems  so  lonely, 

That  he  turns  with  solemn  tread, 
To  his  secret  place  of  worship, 

And  in  silence  bows  his  head. 


EVENING    PRAYER 

There  the  angels  hover  o'er  him, 

There  they  listen  to  his  prayer; 
And  they  swiftly  bear  his  message 

To  our  Father  over  there. 
For  within  His  own  great  store-house 

There  are  riches  yet  untold, 
To  be  had,  just  for  the  asking; 

Blessings  better  far  than  gold. 


40 


THE  AMERICAN  WAY. 

MISTER  Keoki  goes  riding  along, 
Driving  fine  horses  and  singing  a  song; 
Old  Rover,  his  dog,  sits  there  by  his  side, 
Keoki  and  Rover  are  taking  a  ride. 

They're  constant  companions,  this  Jap  and  his  dog, 
A  part  of  each  other  like  Gog  and  Magog. 
Old  Rover  is  barking,  and  wagging  his  tail, 
He's  proud  of  his  master.    They're  out  for  a  sail. 

And  nothing  but  death  their  friendship  will  end, 

Keoki  the  man,  and  old  Rover  his  friend. 

This  Jap  has  adopted  the  American  plan, 

And  loves  his  dear  dog  more  than  any  mere  man. 


41 


TO  MOTHER. 

0  MOTHER,  dear,  I  send  to  thee, 
Love's  tribute  send  I  thee; 

1  send  my  love  on  wings  of  flight, 
E'en  angels  wings  of  flight. 

Long  years  have  come,  and  they  have  gone, 
Their  sorrows  all  have  gone ; 
And  joys,  as  well,  since  in  life's  morn, 
I  strayed  from  thee  one  morn. 

I  early  flew  from  the  old  nest 
In  lands  of  sunny  West, 
But  now  I  wish  with  thee  to  rest, 
In  that  same  old  home  nest. 

For  all  the  world,  sweet  days  have  come, 
For  me,  sweet  days  shall  come 
When  I  shall  fly  away  to  thee, 
And  be  at  rest  with  thee. 


42 


TO  MOTHER. 

Should  thee   I  see  on  earth  no  more, 
In  this  old  world  no  more, 
We'll  meet  at  last,  at  home,  in  heaven, 
At  home,  with  God,  in  heaven. 


She's  waiting  now,  in  that  fair  world, 
Beside  the  gates  of  pearl, 
To  welcome  home  her  wandering  boy, 
To  heaven's  eternal  joy. 


43 


HONEYSUCKLE  MEMORIES. 

IN  A  missive  from  my  sweetheart, 
Came  a  honeysuckle  bloom, 
Bearing  with  it  life's  aroma, 
And  withal  its  sweet  perfume. 

Sweeter  tho'ts  the  message  brought  me, 
Than  the  words  in  black  and  white— 
'Wife  and  children,  health  and  comfort, 
Safe  at  home,  and  all  thing  right. 

It  brought  memories  of  youth's  morning, 
Magic  season  in  one's  life, 
Lake  sequestered,  bay  unruffled, 
Halcyon  days  before  the  strife! 

It  awakened  tho'ts  of  mother, 
Tho'ts  of  home  and  other  days, 
Tho'ts  of  sisters,  brothers,  playmates, 
Who  have  gone  their  separate  ways. 


HONEYSUCKLE   MEMORIES 

Now  I  see  the  honeysuckle, 
Twining  o'er  that  porch  and  door, 
And  again,  I  smell  its  fragrance. 
Could  I  enter  there  once  more, 

Run  right  in  and  tell  my  troubles, 
And  my  joys,  like  I  did  then, 
Would  my  mother,  dear,  embrace  me, 
Kiss  me  once,  twice,  then  again? 

How  I  love  the  honeysuckle, 
Twining  over  gate  and  wall, 
Hanging  'round  to  make  us  happy, 
Shedding  fragrance  over  all. 


45 


"THE  WIDOW  BY  THE  SEA  " 

SOME  summers  had  passed  since  the  wedding, 
In  the  newly  made  home  by  the  sea, 
And  Charley  and  I  were  not  lonely, 
For  love  sent  us  baby  Marie. 

Sweet  Willie  soon  came  like  a  sunbeam, 
And  no  one  could  measure  our  joy ; 
We  then  had  each  other  to  comfort, 
Two  children,  a  girl  and  a  boy! 

But  on  a  sad  day  the  death  angei, 
Came  stealing  his  way  down  the  sky; 
He  took  back  the  spirit  of  Charley, 
To  the  heaventy  mansions  on  high. 

My  babies  were  blighted  by  death-frost, 
We  laid  them  down  close  by  his  side, 
Sweet  flowers  that  grew  by  the  wide  sea, 
By  the  beautiful,  lonely  seaside. 

46 


I  am  fighting  bravely  life's  battles, 
And  marching  on  thru  shade  and  shine, 
The  storms  are  surging  around  me. 
I  long  for  a  heavenly  clime. 

From  life,  all  joy  is  exiled. 

The  prospects  I  loved  have  grown  dim. 

My  spirit  is  lovingly  yearning 

To  be  re-united  with  them! 

And  when  I  lay  down  life's  burden, 
Death 's  night  shall  be  brighter  than  day ! 
Shall  I  wander  with  them  in  the  starlight 
Again,  as  of  yore,  far  away? 

Shall  we  roam  in  the  deep,  shady  bowers, 
Where  heaven's  wild  flowers  e'er  bloom? 
Shall  we  live,  and  love,  where  the  zephyrs 
Are  laden  with  sweetest  perfume? 

'When  I  reach  that  beautiful  city, 
And  my  darlings,  God  bless  them  all  three, 
'Twill  be  "home,  happiness,  and  heaven," 
As  it  was  by  deep,  rolling  sea. 

47 


WAVIN'  HANDS 

WHEN  you've  climed  aboard  the  railroad 

Skippin'  out  fur  other  parts, 
To  be  absent,  doin'  business, 

'Way  from  home   and  old  sweethearts, 

There  is  nothin'  more  consolin' 

To  the  heart  uv  weary  man 
Than  the  memory  uv  the  "Good  bys," 

Winder  full  uv  wavin'  hands. 

Ah !  should  business  fail  er  prosper 
That  bright  picture  wont  grow  dim. 

Calloused  hands  and  dimpled  fingers, 
Wave,  ' '  Good  by, "  "  Come  soon  again. ' ' 

Train  is  movin'  toward  the  old  place, 
Do  they  long  fur  me  to  come? 

Yes!    I  see  the  same  hands  wavin', 
Wavin'  papa's  "welcome  home." 


48 


MISSIONS. 

NEW  tho'ts  come  sweeping  thru  the  world; 

Two  hundred  years  ago 
Our  modern  missions  had  no  friends; 

Instead,  relentless  foes. 
Then  men  had  never  recognized 

The  brotherhood  of  man, 
They  had  no  love  for  mission  work 

In  any  heathen  land. 

We  hail  the  day  when  Gary 

The  mission  banner  raised ! 
It  floats  today  in  every  breeze, 

E'en  angels  list  to  gaze 
Upon  that  motto  which  it  bears, 

' 'This  world  for  Christ,  our  King," 
And  " Peace  on  earth  good  will  to  men/' 

Let  men  and  angels  sing. 
49 


MISSIONS 

Go  forth,  ye  men,  in  all  the  earth, 

And  preach  to  everyone ; 
Converting  and  uplifting  men, 

As  Christ  did,  God's  dear  son. 
And  whosoever  is  baptized, 

Believing  on  his  name, 
He  shall  be  saved,  and  not  condemned, 

For  Jesus  said  the  same. 

Ah,  can  it  be  that  centuries  passed, 

Before  poor  man  could  read 
And  understand  the  word  of  God, 

And  longer  still  to  heed? 
But  now,  they  read  and  understand, 

And  some  would  dare  obey, 
The  light  is  shining  brighter  now, 

God  send  another  ray. 

Old  earth  needs  light  to  scatter  gloom, 
That  hangs  o'er  many  fields; 

Go,  teacher,  shed  that  lustrous  ray, 
God's  light  will  always  yield. 
50 


MISSIONS 

And  if  your  light  be  dim  or  bright, 

Let  God  the  giver  say. 
We  cannot  know  the  good  we  do, 

Until  the  judgment  day! 

Oh,  homeland,  must  we  bid  farewell 

To  thee,  and  friends  we  love, 
To  teach  the  nations  in  the  earth, 

Of  Him, who  dwells  above ? 
Whoever  leaves  his  house  and  lands, 

His  parents,  child,  or  friend, 
For  Christ's  own  sake,  he  shall  obtain, 

The  life  that  has  no  end. 

Dear  friends, who  love  all  humankind, 

Are  these    the  Saviour's  plans— 
That  we  should  cross  the  briny  waves 

To  distant  heathen  lands 
To  do  God's  will?    Nay,  nay,  e'en  here 

Our  fallen  brothers  grope, 
In  dismal  dungeons,  black  with  sin, 

Without  one  ray  of  hope ! 
51 


MISSIONS 

Oh,  everywhere  around  the  earth, 

From  East  to  distant  West, 
From  farthest  North,  to  farthest  South, 

Christ  leaves  us  His  request: 
'  *  Go,  uplift  men  from  out  the  mire, 

And  give  to  them  my  words ; 
I'll  lead  them  down  the  aisles  of  time 

And  to  that  better  world." 

Poor,  fallen  man,  arise,  look  up ! 

Just  cast  your  mortal  fears 
Upon  the  One   who  rules  all  men, 

And  will  thru  .coming  year?; ; 
And  when  the  years  of  toil  have  passed, 

May  rest  and  peace  be  yours, 
Within  the  city  of  the  King, 

On  heaven's  eternal  shores! 


A  CALIFORNIA  DESERT. 

THE  golden  sun  has  climbed  his  golden  stair. 

From  vantage  his,  he  holds  our  summer  land 

In  sweltering  heat,  and  awful  fiery  glare ; 

He  holds  high  carnival  o'er  these  desert  sands. 

The  valleys,  hills    and  plains  are  brown  and  bare, 

\A7here   spring   had   decked   them   with   unnumbered 

bloom 

That  poured  unstinted  fragrance  on  the  air, 
And  died  beneath  the  fiery  suns  of  June. 
Hot  whirls  of  air  encircle  every  hill, 
Like  demon's  fiery  breath,  from  lands  ablaze, 
That  shrivel,  wither,  burn,  blight,  smite    and  kill, 
And  make  a  boundless  desert  of  the  plain. 
Thou  heated  orb,  our  world's  relentless  sun, 
Look  on  these  burning  wastes.    What  thou  hast  done ! 


A  CALIFORNIA  HOME 

COOL,  irrigating  streams  refresh  these  lands, 

And  give  to  us  all  Eden  did  enclose 

Of  bud,  and  bloom,  and  fruit;  for  toiler's  hands 

Have  made  these  deserts  blossom  as  the  rose. 

Heliotrope,  honeysuckle,  rose,  all  vie 

With  all  the  flowers,  to  please  man's  beauty-eye. 

These  garden  plants  of  God  form  coronals, 

Festoons,  wreaths ;  and  trailing  vines  climb  and  twine 

O'er  all,  and  hide  from  view  man's  citadel, 

In  worlds  of  bloom  and  beauty  all  the  time ! 

A  twelve  month  every  year  of  flowers  is  ours 

To  pluck  ripe  luscious  fruits  and  sweetest  flowers; 

Here  winter's  drifting  snow  is  petals  sweet, 

That  winds  detach  and  blow  about  our  feet. 


54 


HOW  LONG? 

How  long  shall  time  yet  be — 
And  land  and  sea— 
And  earth  and  sky- 
Things  low  and  high? 

How  long  shall  rivers  flow, 
And  comets  glow, 
And  mountains  stand 
So  lofty,  grand? 

How  long  will  God  be  still, 
While  men  fulfill, 
As  best  they  can, 
His  gracious  plan? 

How  long  shall  flowers  bloom 
Around  man's  tomb, 
And  mock  his  fate 
And  fallen  state? 
55 


HOW    LONG? 

How  long,  till  man  shall  love 
His  God  above, 
And  seek  the  good 
Of  brotherhood? 

How  long,  0  Lord,  how  long, 
Will  this  vast  throng, 
Move  on    and  hope 
For  thee,  but  grope ! 

How  long  shall  sparkling  eyes, 
As  clear  as  skies, 
See  beauties  here 
Without  a  tear! 

How  long  till  the  voice  now  heard, 
Like  a  singing  bird, 
In  the  gorgeous  spring, 
Shall  cease  to  sing? 

How  long  till  these  foot  falls, 
Within  home  walls, 
Shall  silent  be, 
Thru  eternity. 

56 


HOW    LONG? 

How  long,  and  when,  and  where, 
Shall  men  appear, 
When  death  shall  come 
To  every  one? 

How  long  shall  silence  reign, 
While  the  long  train 
Of  time  rolls  on, 
When  man  is  gone? 

How  long,— 0  finite  tho't, 
It  comes  to  naught, 
I'll  drop  my  pen— 
Await  the  end! 


57 


A  WISCONSIN  VACATION 

I'M  wollerin'  under  big  oak  trees, 
Wild  flowers  are  blooming  'round, 

The  moss  is  soft  like  silken  plush, 
Nature's  brussels  fur  the  ground. 

The  sickle's  song  is  in  the  air, 

The  meadows  in  the  bloom, 
A  thousand  flowers  of  hill  and  dale 

Are  celebratin'  June. 

The  lazy  clouds  float  o  'er  by  head, 
With  bands  of  blue  between; 

And  shade  and  shine  chase  on   and  on, 
Across  the  fields  of  green. 

The  alders  bloom  beside  the  brook, 
The  cows  are  croppin'  clover, 

Broad  fields  of  corn  wave  in  the  breeze, 
The  world's  jes  spillin'  over 
58 


A  WISCONSIN  VACATION 

With  joys  I  kan't  quite  understand, 
Mjy  life's  chuck  full  of  pleasure; 

My  soul  is  happy  all  the  day, 

I'm  blest  with  scripture  measure. 

Oh  soul  of  mine,  be  allers  glad, 

And  don't  make  friends  with  sadness; 

While  livin'  here,  let's  smile  the  while, 
And  make  fast  friends  with  gladness. 


59 


TRY  AND  TRUST 

WHILE  the  days  are  going  by, 

Tho'  we  sigh, 

Tho'  we  cry, 

We  will  ever  trust  and  try, 
While  the  days  are  going  by, 

Let  us  try. 

Tho'  earth  treasures  fail  and  rust, 

We  will  trust, 

For  we  must, 

If  we  have  a  cloak  and  crust, 
We  will  ever  try  and  trust. 

Let  us  trust. 


80 


DRIE'  DEICHER  BOYS 

VE  HOT  one  leetle  deieher  boy, 

Ve  haben  now  some  more 
To  dumble  alls  der  hous  geround, 

Un  roll  him  on  der  floor. 

Drie  deicher  boys,  great  saurkraut, 

Er  Caesar,  any  one, 
Vaht  can  der  fatter,  mutter,  doz, 

Ven  alls  dem  boys  begun  1 

A  sprachen  vorts  mit  Henglish  kind, 

Un  cryin'  Henglish  vay? 
Vould  mix  mein  head  all  crazy,  up, 

And  turn  him  growin'  gray, 

But  ven  dem  boys  vas  vent  to  school, 
And  learn  some  better  fine ; 

And  grow  some  bigger  like  I  vas, 
(Thank  Himmel  they  vas  mein.) 
61 


DBIE  DEICHEE  BOYS 

I'll  send  dem  alls  to  college  school, 

To  learn  dem  alls  so  vise ; 
They'll  be  great  men  like  never  vas, 

lAnd  vin  the  would 's  pig  prize! 

But  ven  they  got  one  better  job 

And  got  some  gold,  yer  see, 
Ve  '11  buy  us  alls  a  big  fine  farm, 

Vaht's  in  Amerikee! 

Some  dime  dem  boys  been  comin'  home 
Mit  drie  sweet  deicher  f rows ; 

Un  den  vir  haben  shillerns  six, 
Ve  '11  haben  nict  some  rows ! 


GOING  AW  AY- COMING  HOME 

WHEN  you  go  away,  the  sun  and  stars  shine  dim. 
Vain  seems  the  gain    and  hope    and  joy  of  men, 
You  take  my  heart  and  leave  an  aching  void, 
A  dreamy  longing  for  the  unalloyed 
Wealth  of  pleasure,  that  makes  life  worth  while, 
And  lures  us  on  the  way  another  mile; 
I  'm  like  an  ocean  bark  without  a  sail, 
Or  rudder,  left  to  flounder  in  the  gale. 

When  you  come  home,  the  stars  and  suns  shine  out, 
This  universe  just  seems  to  face  about. 
God  sends  a  thrill  of  joy  thru  earth  and  sky, 
The  angels  watch  our  meeting  from  on  high; 
Eyes  look  deep  love.    Two  hearts  beat  strong  and  fast. 
Two  souls  are  wrapped  in  love.     The  parting's  past. 
Two  brawny  arms  embrace  a  form— a  kissr- 
Two  heaving  breasts— a  long  embrace— 'tis  bliss! 

63 


A  MOTHER'S  GRAVE 

BEYOND  the  hills  and  prairies  wide, 
Far,  far  away   from  this  fireside, 
There's  a  sacred  spot,  a  billowy  plain, 
Where  a  dear  one  sleeps  thru  sun  and  rain 
Man's  best  friend,  a  mother  dear— 
For  you  and  all  she  wept  her  tears  1 
Her  boys  and  girls  have  older  grown, 
In  distant  lands  they  've  built  their  homes. 
Their  children  play  about  their  doors, 
Just  as  hers  played  in  days  of  yore ; 
When  her  sweet  voice  rang  out  in  song 
In  childhood's  home,  the  whole  day  long. 
No  artist's  hand,  with  subtle  grace, 
Could  paint  that  mother's  dear,  sweet  face; 
It  was  aglow  with  hope  and  love, 
Like  th'  shining  saints  who  live  above. 
No  poet's  pen,  with  flowing  rhyme, 
Could  write  her  life.    It  was  sublime. 

64 


A  MOTHER'S  GRAVE. 

It  was  a  life  of  bitter  tears 

And  joy  withal,  thru  all  the  years. 

The  sweet,  wild  flowers  bloom  o'er  her  grave. 

Where  the  long  blue-stem,  the  breezes  wave, 

And  the  meadow  lark  begins  the  day, 

In  the  gentle  spring  with  his  roundelay; 

And  the  neighboring  town  is  all  alive 

With  thrifty  trade    and  enterprise; 

The  farmer  folk  'round  far  and  near, 

Still  sow  and  reap  year  after  year: 

The  tho'tless  world,  still  rushing  on, 

Will  follow  soon  where  she  has  gone. 

For,  as  she  came,  so  all  must  .come, 

To  occupy  death's  silent  home. 

A  mother's  grave  should  ever  be 

A  sacred  place,  a  shrine  for  thee. 


65 


FAMILY  LUXURIES 

Kiss  my  babies  for  me, 
Kiss  my  babies,  all  three. 
For  me  they  may  kiss  thee, 
And  thee  and  they  all  three, 
Please   kiss  each  other  for  me. 

But  when  you  all  I  see, 
As  we  romp  and  play  on  the  lea, 
I  will  kiss  my  babies  all  three, 
I  will  kiss  my  babies,  and  thee, 
You  will  kiss  each  other    and  me! 


THE  COUNTRY  SIDE-ON  EARTH-IN 
HEAVEN. 

THE  happiest  man  in  all  creation 
Is  he  who  has  a  good  plantation, 
A  wife,  and  children  three  or  four, 
Playin'  'round  his  cottage  door. 

Sometimes  all  wander  thru  the  corn, 
Go  bathing  in  the  brook  so  warm ; 
Tis  fun  to  pitch  the  new  mown  hay, 
Each  one  sandwitchin'  work  and  play- 
Er  pole  the  harvest  apples  down  ,• 
Er  show  grandma  the  farm  around; 
'Tis  fun  to  see  the  children  grow 
And  play,  like  we  did  long  ago. 

When  they  .come  chasm'  home  from  school, 
They  break  and  smash  decorum  rule, 
Each  racin'  on  'till  you  they  reach 
To  be  the  first  to  kiss  your  cheek. 

67 


THE  COUNTRY  SIDE— ON  EARTH 

And  somehow,  tho'  you're  sore  cast  down, 
A  smile  will  supercede  your  frown, 
When  you  shall  see  them  play  and  romp, 
With  childhood's  glee  and  childhood's  pomp! 
You'll  catch  the  joy  of  youth's  glad  day. 
And  let  your  gladness  have  full  sway. 
Their  lives  are  ever  fresh  and  new, 
Just  like  God 's  world  is  kept  for  you ! 

If  you  would  be  a  happy  man, 
Seek  lirst,  then  follow,  God's  own  plan; 
He  made  the  country,  man  the  town. 
He  sent  the  laugh,  man  bro't  the  frown. 

The  happiest  man  in  all  creation 
Is  he  who  has  a  good  plantation 
A  wife,  and  children  three  or  four, 
PlayhV  'round  his  cottage  door, 
Out  in  the  verdant  country  side, 
Out  there,  0  Lord,  let  me  abide. 
I'll  see  the  green  fields  turn  to  gold, 
I'll  watch  thy  plans,  enfold,  unfold. 

68 


THE  COUNTRY  SIDE— IN   HEAVEN 

111  heaven,  where  all  men  hope  to  be, 
The  Good  Book  says  there  is  no  sea; 
But  there's  a  " River,"  deep  and  wide, 
The  ' '  Tree  of  Life ' '  grows  by  its  side ; 
And  there's  a  "City"  of  pure  gold, 
Whose  glory    tongue  has  never  told, 
And  minaret   and  tower   and  dome, 
Shall  decorate  each  heavenly  home. 

But  are  there  farms,  and  country  sides, 
And  country  lanes  and  old  firesides, 
And  fragrant  flowers,  and  rippling  brooks, 
And  shady  dells,  and  sunny  nooks, 
And  butterflies  and  birds  and  bees, — 
Ripe  apples  hangin'  on  the  trees, 
A  mother's  love,  a  sister's  cheer, 
Just  like  we  had  while  livin '  here  ? 
And  shall  we  sing,  and  pop  the  corn, 
Around  the  fireside,  cozy,  warm? 
And  be  as  happy  as  we  were, 
When  livin'  on  the  farm  down  here! 


69 


THE   COUNTRY   SIDE— IN   HEAVEN 

If  so,  when  earthly  scenes  are  o  'er, 

And  I  am  borne  to  that  fair  shore, 

I'll  want  to  occupy  my  "Place 

Prepared"  by  him,  who  saved  the  race; 

I'll  live  in  heaven's  country  side. 

Out  there,  0  Lord,  let  me  abide, 

Where  green  fields,  thine,  still  turn  to  gold, 

And  plans  thine  own,  enfold,  unfold. 


70 


JOHN  SHANK'S  NIGHTMARE 

i'  'Tls  GOOD/'  says  John,  "when  evening  .comet 
And  all  earth's  noise  and  busy  hums 

Are  stilled  in  eve's  repose, 
To  have  for  tea,  fat  pork  and  beans, 
Thy 're  good  enough  for  kings  and  queens." 

John  was  just  then  jocose. 

When  Shanks  retires  upon  the  cushion, 
He  lays  his  head  in  sweet  delusion, 

To  sleep  the  night  away; 
His  eyelids  close,  his  mind  reposes, 
Poor,  weary  John,  he  sleeps,  and  snoozes, 

So  speeds  the  hours  away. 


71 


JOHN  SHANK'S  NIGHTMARE. 

In  his  sound  sleep,  so  quiet  and  calm, 
Appears  a  sign  for  dire  alarm; 

Hark,  John  is  dreaming  now, 
He  kicks  and  groans  and  tumbles  'round, 
His  downy  bed  seems  tumbling  down, 

Hush  Shanks  is  sleeping  now. 

He  dreams  again.    Great  ghosts  he  sees; 
They  jump  the  mountains,  swim  the  seas, 

The  bed  beneath  him  shakes; 
The  sun  looks  down  with  awful  stare, 
The  big  faced  moon  is  everywhere, 

The  earth,  beneath  him,  quakes! 

Shank's  funeral  was  grand  and  great, 
The  people  came  from  Church  and  State. 

They  wrote  above  his  head: 

1 1  John  Shanks  has  crossed  death 's  deep,  dark  stream. 
But  when  he  woke  from  his  mad  dream, 

He  was  falling  out  of  bed ! 


72 


A  PROOF 

I  STOOD  at  eve  beneath  the  clear  blue  sky. 

The  western  world  was  radiant  with  light. 

The  stars  came  out  to  illuminate  the  night. 
I  saw  a  crane  alone,  'twas  flying  high. 
It  flew  across  the  western  fringe  of  gold. 
Why?  Whither  1  These  queries  it  left  untold. 

It  hastened  on  in  silent,  rapid  flight 

And  pierced  the  thickening  shadows  of  the  night. 
So  man  has  moved  across  the  world's  dominions. 

In  awful  silence,  God  has  held  aloof! 
But  man  weaves  well  his  platitudes,  opinions. 

Why  is  it  all  1    Whither  ?    Give  us  a  proof ! 
Ah,  if  a  bird  is  guided  by  a  Power, 
That  Power  will  guard  man's  pathway  every  hour! 


73 


THE  CLOCK  STRIKES  TWELVE 

A  SCORE  and  fifteen  years  ago,  my  sun 

Of  life  began  to  climb  its  golden  stair. 

Today  it  touches  noon !     The  clock  strikes  twelve ! 

High  noon!     A  solemn  hour  in  one's  short  life! 

Life's  morningtime  was  full  of  hope  and  light. 

Aspiring  joy  crowned  all.    The  birds  sang  well 

In  shady  dells,  and  there  I  loitered  long. 

From  college  and  the  schools  I  sought  my  home 

For  my  vacation  time.     A  home  set  in 

Among  the  flowers  that  formed  a  coronal. 

Great  orchard  trees  with  big  arms,  handed  down 

Their  fruits  to  me,  kissed  by  a  summer's  sun. 

The  cooling  forest  trees  invited  me; 

I  sat  beneath  the  overhanging  elms 

And  fished.     I  watched  in  drowsy  mood   the  bob, 

And  dreamed.    I  lived  again  the  bygone  days 

And  looked  adown  the  years  with  vision  strained 

Like  a  mariner 's. 

74 


THE    CLOCK    STRIKES    TWELVE 

The  mowers  sang  their  song, 
The  waving  meadow-grass  was  soon  laid  low. 
The  stalwart  boys  helped  fill  the  bins  and  mows, 
Did  well  their  part.     Then  school  time  came  again, 
The  happiest  time  of  all  these  morning  hours. 
But  change  is  law  on  earth — the  law  of  life— 
None  can  foretell  our  fortune  or  our  failure. 
At  last  two  loving  hearts  melt  into  one, 
Charmed  by  that  magic  love  that  mates  a  world. 
A  happy  home,  wife,  children,  all  are  mine, 
And  so  these  years  are  gone ;  and  now  'tis  noon. 

The  golden  sun  shall  soon  descend  the  sky, 
And  set  at  eve.     Shall  Scripture  years  be  mine, 
''Three  score  and  ten?"     Ah,  who  can  tell  the  time 
Of  my  departure !    This  is  my  earnest  prayer ; 
If  in  the  afternoon  the  day  grows  dark, 
And  storms  arise,  and  cold  winds  blow,  0  let 
Me,  Lord,  more  useful  be  than  in  the  morning; 
Please,  let  me  toil  till  eve,  dear  Lord,  for  thee, 
And  may  my  sun  illuminate  the  hills 
With  splendent  glories  of  a  well  spent  day. 

75 


THE    CLOCK    STRIKES    TWELVE 

And  when  my  sun  shall  hide  his  face  for  aye, 
And  darkening  shadows  sable  all  the  land, 
Just  let  me  steal  away  and  rest  with  Thee! 
A  hope  inspiring,  and  it  lifts  me  up 
Toward  heaven,  the  final  home  of  man  redeemed. 
It  gives  me  courage  here  to  dare  and  do , 
And  wait  with  patience  for  the  final  hour. 


MAN'S  KINSHIP 

CAN  this  be  true,  that  man  is  son, 

And  made  the  image  of  the  One 

•Who  flung  the  earth    and  all  these  worlds 

Out  into  space,  to  flame  and  whirH 

This  is  the  gist  of  God's  great  plan; 
Th'  divine  and  human  meet  in  man; 
Eternity  and  time  in  him  do  blend: 
The  Infinite  is  the  finite 's  friend. 


77 


SHALL  WE,  TOIL  IN  HEAVEN? 

WHEN  we  enter  the  portals 

Of  heaven  and  home, 
And  victory,  eternal,  is  won , 
Shall  we  stand  with  the  throng 

That  God  has  redeemed 
Thru'  the  love  of  our  Saviour,  His  Son 7 

Shall  we  toil  in  that  world, 

Or  just  bask  in  the  light, 
While  ages  and  ages  roll  on? 
Shall  we  wander,  like  fairies, 

Among  the  bright  flowers, 
In  that  wonderful  land  in  the  sky" 

On  missions  of  mercy 

I  trow  some  shall  go, 
Wherever  dwell  suffering  men; 
To  win  them,  and  guide  them, 

And  lead  them  to  God, 
From  the  paths  of  temptation  and  sin. 
78 


SHALL,  WE  TOIL  IN  HEAVEN? 

Some  shall  finish  their  labors, 

So  nobly  begun; 

When  they  fell  in  the  midst  of  the  fight; 
They  will  conquer  at  last, 

For  justice  will  win, 
And  the  final  great  conqueror    is  EIGHT. 

There  is  progress,  I  'm  sure, 

On  both  sides  of  the  tomb. 
Flowers  bloom,  on  both  banks  of  the  stream. 
Love  reigns  in  both  worlds, 

And  life's  much  the  same— 
A  part  of  the  Infinite 's  dream. 


79 


ME   AND   MARY   ANN,  VISITIN' 

WE  LIVE  out  in  a  country  home, 

My  Mary  Ann  and  me, 
In  a  sort  uv  cosy  cottage, 

And  as  happy  as  can  be. 
We've  planted  crops  and  tended  'em, 

And  worked  the  hull  year  thru, 
And  tried  to  live  like  other  folks, 

And  be  as  honest,  too. 

The  work  is  hard  and  wearin'  like, 

On  me  and  Mary  Ann. 
After  some  deliberatin' 

I  adopted  this  'ere  plan: 
To  jes  clear  out  and  leave  the  place, 

Let  Providence  hold  sway, 
And  rule  the  farm  to  suit  Hisself, 

Fur  we  are  goin'  away. 

80 


ME   AND    MARY    ANN,    VISITIN ' 


One  day  I  came  in  from  the  field, 

The  sweat  a  rollin'  down, 
I  says,  says  I,  "My  Mary  Ann, 

Lets  quit  and  go  to  town, 
And  visit   'mong  the  kinfolks  there, 

A  month  er  two,  er  more." 
She  says,  says  she,  "That's  left  to  you, 

You  know  we  're  mighty  poor. ' ' 

It  sort  'o  sot  her  thinkin',  tho', 

And  figgerin'  up  the  price 
Uv  clothes,  and  fare,  and  everything. 

She  writ  it  out  reel  nice. 
Then  she  handed  me  the  paper 

To  investigate  the  same. 
And  my  heart  began  a  jumpin'— 

Stirrin '  up  an  awful  pain ! 


Normus  sum,  a  Hundred  Dollars 
Must  be  drawn  before  we  start. 

Tho't  on  it  set  a-goin' 
Palpitation  uv  the  heart. 
81 


ME  AND  MARY  ANN,  VISITIN' 


But  we'd  been  a  long  time  toilin' 
And  hoardin'  up  the  trash, 

Till,  I'll  swear  as  sure  as  preaching 
I  tho  't  too  much  uv  cash. 

And  Mary  Ann  wuz  'bout  like  me. 

She  liked  the  Dollars,  too, 
And  when  we  spent  a  few  of  'em 

'T would  set  us  feelin'  blue. 
But  when  we  tho't  uv  seein'  sights 

And  ridin'  uv  the  cars, 
And  pattern  after  ,eity  folks, 

And  putin'  on  their  airs, 

I  sot  right  down  and  writ  the  bank 

To  send  the  money  on. 
Before  the  neighbors  had  the  news, 

We  'd  all  cleared  out  and  gone. 
Fur  Mary  Ann  had  fussed  around 

From  morning,  till  the  night, 
And  fixed  us  out,  all  spick  and  span. 

I  tell  you  'twas  a  sight, 
82 


ME  AND  MARY  ANN,  VISITIN* 

The  boys  all  wearin'  store  clothes, 

Knee  pants  and  shoes  that  shine, 
Blue  sailors  caps,  and  red  neckties. 

(  I  'm  glad  them  boys  are  mine  !  ) 
My  Mary  Ann  she  ragged  up,  too, 

Jes  like  she  used  to  be, 
When  me    and  her,  wuz  coartin' 

'Way  back  in  ninety-three. 


as  fur  me,  why,  Mary  said 

I  looked  as  young  and  gay 
As  the  day  the  parson  made  us  one, 

When  we  'loped  and  run  away. 
We  trot  in  double  harness  now 

Along  life's  rugged  road, 
And  neither  one  has  iver  balked, 

With  our  discouragin'  load. 

One  day  we  climbed  aboard  the  train, 

And  went  a  dashin'  by 
The  towns  and  farms  with  fruit  and  flowers, 

And  mountains  most  sky  high. 
83 


ME  AND  MARY  ANN,  VISITIN* 


We  rumbled  cross  broad,  flowing,  streams, 

Thru  fields  uv  livin'  green, 
The  richest  lands,  and  finest  crops, 

That  I  have  iver  seen. 

We  arrived  at  destination 

"All  right  side  up  with  care." 

And  shore  as  I'm  a  livin' 
Betsy  Jane  and  Cy  wuz  there 

Awaitin'  at  the  depot, 

To  take  us  to  their  home 

In  their  bloomin'  automobilly, 
And  I  wished  I  hadn't  come. 

It  went  a  tearin'  up  the  street, 

And  blowin'  off  its  steam, 
And  I  wuz  skeered!     Poor  Mary  Ann 

I  tho't  she's  goin'  to  scream. 
I  promised  God  and  all  the  rest, 

If  I  got  off  alive, 
I'd  niver  board  another  one, 

I'd  jes  hitch  up  and  drive. 
84 


ME  AND  MARY  ANN,  VISITIN* 

They  pointed  out,  as  on  we  flew, 

The  places  uv  renown; 
But  I  niver  seen  a  single  thing 

As  we  passed  clean  thru  the  town. 
I  felt  dead  sure'  we'd  break  our  necks, 

We  didn't,  I  declare, 
And  when  we  stopped  before  their  door, 

I  breathed  a  fervent  prayer. 

That  very  day,  toward  evenin'  time, 

We  took  a  stroll  around. 
Cy  said  we  'd  go  to  Warner 's  store, 

Fur  a  * '  bird 's  eye  view ' '  uv  town ; 
We  took  the  elevator  up, 

A  room   six  feet   by  seven, 
I  tho't  we'd  shorely  niver  stop 

Till  it  landed  us  in  heaven. 

We  reached  the  top,  and  looked  around, 
On  the  boasted  works  of  man ; 

Compared  with  God's  own  handiwork 
The  hull  blamed  thing's  a  sham. 
85 


ME  AND  MARY  ANN,  VISITIN* 


Vast  piles  uv  brick,  and  old  smoke  stacks, 

A  grass  patch,  now  and  then, 
With  howlin'  trains,  and  rumblin'  streets, 

Make  city  life— not  men. 

We  elevated  down,  again, 

After  seenin'  uv  the  town, 
And  shore  as  fate  I  tho't  the  trap 

Would  smash  right  in  the  ground. 
My  usual  height  is  five  feet,  eight, 

But  comin'  down  that  thing, 
It  seemer  to  me  I  stretched  right  out, 

Jes  like  a  rubber  string. 

We  went  to  church  as  usual, 

When  Sunday  came  around, 
Expectin'  great  experiences, 

And  preachin'  most  profound. 
When  the  preacher  riz  with  flowin '  robes, 

'Bout  like  yer  mother  wears, 
I  felt  jes  like  a  feller  does, 

A  tumblin'  clean  down  stairs. 


ME  AND  MARY  ANN,  VISITIN* 


The  choir  went  blundering  thru  their  song, 

Repeatin'  word  on  word, 
Till  'twas  the  most  mixed  up  affair, 

That  I  have  iver  heard! 
Oh!  when  I  want  to  worship  God 

I'll  allers  choose  to  go 
Where  people  worship  from  the  heart, 

And  'taint  all  done  fur  show. 

We  visited  the  city  slums, 

The  parks,  the  sights,  the  shows; 
We  must  have  seen  most  iverthing, 

'We  seen  anuff,  Lord  knows, 
To  sot  most  any  thinkin'  man 

'Gainst  all  this  modern  craze 
Uv  reformin'  on  religion 

And  improvin'  on  Christ's  ways! 

We've  got  back  home,  thank  fortune, 

The  dearest  spot  on  earth. 
I  allers  hankered  after  it, 

But  now  I  know  its  worth. 

87 


ME  AND  MARY  ANN,  VISITIN* 

Vacation,  eh,  is  mighty  fine— 

Jes  seein'  sights  around. 
But  all  the  gold  them  fellers  have, 

Wouldn't  make  me  moA'e  to  town. 

I'll  iver  love  this  dear,  old  place, 

It's  birds,  and  flowers,  and  bees, 
Sweet  roses,  fields,  and  ripenin'  fruit, 

And  spreadin'  forest  trees. 
Out  here  my  Mary  Ann  and  me, 

Enjoy  our  happy  lot, 
We'll  be  content  to  live  and  die 

On  earth's  most  sacred  spot. 


88 


SILENCE  OF  THE  CANYON. 

GRAND  Canyon  had  no  speech  to  make. 

She  never  said  a  word. 
While  I  viewed  her  matchless  glory, 

I  was  startled  by  a  bird. 

It  came  flying,  tumbling  thru  the  air, 
And  stopped  beside  me  there, 

And  sung  the  sweetest  little  song. 
How  I  wanted  you  to  hear. 

A  little  .chipmunk  then  rushed  out 

And  stood  on  his  hind  legs 
And  chattered  me  a  welcome 

To  this  land  of  towering  crags. 

Then,  another  little  songster, 

From  the  tip  top  of  a  pine, 
Sang  as  sweet  as  ever  echoed 

In  the  valley  of  the  Rhine ! 

But  the  Gorge  was  mute,  but  glorious, 

Magnificent,  sublime ! 
Her  secrets  still  remain  her  own 

And  will  thruout  all  time! 

89 


GOOD  BYE,   DEVONA 

DEVONA,  dear,  has  gone  to  rest, 

Her  spirit  took  its  flight. 
'Twas  in  the  morning  of  her  life, 

That  morn  was  gay  and  bright. 

'Twas  in  a  bright  autumnal  morn, 
It  seemed  two  worlds  had  met, 

And  heaven's  host  with  joy  and  pride, 
Took  back  the  little  pet. 

Before  she  went  she  called  us  all 

About  her  little  bed, 
And  in  her  simple  childlike  trust, 

These  words  to  us  she  said: 


bye  to  all,  I'm  going  home 
To  heaven  's  fairer  clime, 
You'll  meet  me  there  in  that  bright  world 
In  some  sweet  after  time." 
90 


GOOD    BYE,   DEVONA 

She  sleeps  where  blooms  the  golden-rod, 
And  falls  the  autumn  leaf; 

Her's  was  a  life  of  loveliness, 
Why  was  that  life  so  brief? 

Our  hearts  are  sore  and  very  sad ! 

But  with  her  childlike  faith, 
In  some  sweet  day,  " sweet  after  time," 

We'll  meet  at  heaven's  gate. 


91 


THE  BULLION  STATE 

THE  bullion  state 

Is  a  grand  old  state. 

I  love  her  trickling  rills, 

Bold  towering  cliffs, 

Huge  racks,  deep  rifts, 

The  blue  grass  covered  hills; 

Deep,  shady  dales, 

And  flower-filled  vales, 

Broad,  boundless,  forest  green, 

Clear,  bubbling  springs, 

That  run  and  sing, 

Lithe,  limpid,  living    streams. 

Rich  prairie  land 
God  did  command 
To  reach  from  north  to  south ; 
The   valleys  toroad, 
Man  would  applaud, 
We  seldom  have  a  drought. 
92 


THE  BULLION  STATE 

With  little  toil 

The  fertile  soil 

Most  luscious   fruits   will  yield; 

Corn,  oats  and  wheat 

And  meadows   sweet, 

Great  stores  of  wealth  reveal. 

Among  the  hills 

Are  pastures  filled 

With  horses,  sheep  and  kine ; 

In  shady  dells, 

Sweet  music  swells 

From  hearts  that  never  pine: 

Where'er  there's  room. 

Bright  flowers  bloom 

Along   the   cheery   ways; 

From  flowery  cup, 

The  bees  may  sup, 

Sweet  nectar  day  by  day. 

Of  coal   and  zink, 
I  really  think, 

93 


THE  BULLION  STATE 

We'll  never  find  their  end; 
Some  men  have  said, 
We  have  enough  lead 
To  meet  all  needs  of  men : 
We  have  iron  ore, 
For  earth,   and  more, 
In  Ozark's  rugged  wilds ; 
And  jewels  as  bright 
As  the  stars  at  night, 
Earth's  wealthy  men  beguile. 

Oh,  Bullion  State, 

So  grand  and  great, 

Thy  wealth's  in  boundless  store. 

May  it  ever  be 

That  men  may  see 

Thy  greatness  more  and  more 

Thy  lustrous  name 

Shines  like  a  flame 

On  history's  pages  bright; 

Brave,  loyal  sons 

For  man  have  won 

Their  battles  for  the  right. 
94 


THE  BULLION  STATE 

Away   from  home, 

Thy  sons  may  roam, 

On  many  distant  strands; 

But  in  their  hearts, 

They'll  ne'er  depart 

From  old  Missouri  lands. 

Thy  sons  will  strive 

To  make  thee  thrive, 

They'll  love  thee    more  and  more, 

Till  God's  last  call, 

When  earth  shall  fall, 

And  time  shall  be  no  more ! 


95 


WHAT  IS  LIFE? 

AH,  WHAT  is  life?  Is  it  just  to  feel, 
To  weep,  to  laugh,  in  woe  or  weal? 
To  live  'mong  men  we  cannot  know? 
To  garner  in  what  others  sow? 
To  follow  phantoms  year  by  year, 
And  grope  our  way  thru  hope  and  fear? 
To  twine  heart  tendrils  'round  our  all, 
Like  trailing  vines  on  a  crumbling  wall? 

Ah,  what  is  life— an  echoing  wail, 
From  broken  hearts  that  always  fail? 
A  drifting  out,  with  the  ebb  and  flow, 
Like  ocean  tides  as  they  come  and  go? 
Is  it  living  thru  our  allotted  days, 
And  looking  up  thru  the  mist  and  haze? 
Is  it  wandering  on  thru  storm  and  shine, 
Floating  gently  down  the  stream  of  time? 


WHAT    IS    LIFE? 

Ah,  this  is  life— To  live  and  love 

And  make  this  world  like  that  above ; 

To  pluck  a  flower,  to  plant  a  tree ; 

To  watch  the  stars,  and  the  deep,  blue  sea; 

To  make  men  laugh,  to  make  them  strong, 

'To  be  heroic,  and  fight  the  wrong, 

To  know  this  world's  God's  nursery— 

A  training  school  for  eternity. 


MINE  LEETLE  BOY 

MINE  leetle  boy's  nict  weary  pig, 

He  grew  some  vonze  or  twize, 
But  vaht  he  lacks  in  length  and  breadth, 

He  makes  up  bein'  nize. 

You  say  dot  boy  wuz  weary  small, 

Dem  on  der  count  von  size. 
Dot  boy  von  mine  wuz  biggern  mir, 

Vhen  it  comes  to  bein'  vize. 

Mine  leetle  boy  plays  hoss  mit  mir, 

Un  rides  him  on  mine  back. 
Ve  shumps  an  runs  the  room  geround, 

Dill  mamma's  patienz  wuz  racked. 

Ve  den,  ve  dry  some  udder  sport, 

Dill  vhen  hims  gone  to  sleep ; 
But  soon  von  oud  der  coverlets 

Blue  eyes  begins  to  peep. 


MINE    LITTLE    BOY 

Some  day  mine  boy  been  older  wuz, 
Vhen  him  wazs  grown  a  man; 

Vhen  he  would  been  de  president 
Un  rule  dis  fatterland. 

Vaht  ever  elz  wuz  come  on  him, 
He  wuz  mine  pride  un  joy, 

Un  vile  I  lif,  mine  prayer  vilt  be, 
Gott  bless  mine  leetle  boy! 


A  GOLDEN  WEDDING 

TIME  speeds  on  wings!    Just  fifty  years  today 
Two  paths  converged  in  one  and  led  away 
O  'er  rugged  hills  thru  wonder-lands  unknown, 
In  search  of  wealth,  and  happiness,  and  home. 

In  life's  green  spring,  our  buoyant  plans  well  up 
And  promise  all  that  human  hearts  desire— the  cup 
In  prospect's  full  of  joy.     The  years  sweep  by, 
We  look  upon  the  same,  again,  and  cry! 

These  two   dear   souls  that  God  had  joined  as  one, 
Commenced  their  journey  toward  the  setting  sun. 
They  crossed  our  world  from  that  far  eastern  shore 
And  built  their  home  where  western  sea-waves  roar. 

A  God-blest  home  was  that,  and  children,  nine, 
Began  their  voyage  o'er  the  seas  of  time. 
They  played  and  prattled  all,  in  childish  glee, 
But  two    dear    boys  now  sail  the  unknown  sea. 

100 


A  GOLDEN  WEDDING 

Old  age  sits  here  and  ponders  on  it  all, 

And  waits  with  patience  for  the  final  call ; 

Tho'  burden- worn    with  toil    and  many  cares, 

They  plodded  on  thru  fifty  rugged  years ! 

And  still  their  souls  are  young;  for  endeared  love 

Of  friends,  neighbors,  and  God  above, 

Made  long  life  sweet  indeed.     She  blest  his  life 

With  the  riches  of  a  kind,  devoted  wife. 

He  gave  to  her  a  love  that  would  not  die. 

'Twill  blossom  forth  beyond  the  starry  sky, 

Fifty  years!     Ah,  who  can  tell  the  tale 
Of  spotless  purity.     True  hearts  bewail 
The  failures,  faults,  follies  of  life's  short  day; 
Some  men  would  tramp  again  the  same  old  way 
And  rectify  all  wrongs.    It  cannot  be. 
We  hasten  on  toward  vast  eternity! 

The  sun  is  hanging  low.     'Twill  soon  be  night 
But  ah,  "at  eventide,  it  shall  be  light." 
For  all  who  live  for  God  and  human  weal, 
The  words,  and  life    of  Jesus  both  reveal 

101 


A  GOLDEN  WEDDING 

Good  men  shall  live  again,  and  have  a  home, 
"A  place  prepared"  by  Jesus  for  his  own. 

Tho'  these  dear    ones  have  toiled  these  many  years, 
And  sought  an  ideal  home,  now  thru  their  tear^ 
They  see  it  .come  to  naught.    They  long  for  home 
That  is  ideal  and  real— man's  greatest  hoon— 
A  home  not  made  with  hands,  on  heaven's  shore, 
Where  men  shall  live,  and  love  forevermore. 


102 


I  AM  THE  WAY. 

To  PREACH  the  Christ,  is  human, 
To  practice  Him,  divine. 

How  sweet  to  heed  His  summons 
And  then  march  on  "in  line ! ' ' 

Just  follow  Christ  the  Savior, 

The  man  of  Galillee, 
The  path  leads  thru  the  garden 

They  called  Gethsemane. 

Then  up  the  slopes  of  Calvary, 
And  thru  the  gilded  tomb, 

And  then  it  leads  to  Olivet, 
And  to  immortal  bloom ! 


103 


THE   FUTURE 

As  THE  snowflakes  descend 
On  the  deep  rolling  sea, 

Even  so    fall  the  moments 
On  you  and  on  me. 

As  the  snowflakes  are  lost 
On  the  ocean's  rough  wave, 

So  our  earth-life  is  lost 
In  the  dark  lonely  grave. 

We  look  at  the  future 

Thru  great  telescopes ; 
We  magnify  prospects 

And  brighten  our  hopes, 
But  when  we  approach  it 

How  faded  it  seems; 
Yet    the  future,  again, 

With  heaven's  light  gleams. 
104 


THE    FUTURE 

Do  we  love  most  the  present 
Or  the  future,  instead! 

Do  we  weep  for  the  living? 
No,  we  weep  for  the  dead! 

We  are  proud  of  oar  learning 
We  are  vain  of  our  gold; 

Why  ?    'We  know  not  our  future ; 
It  has  never  been  told ! 

The  years  will  bring  sorrow 

And  pleasure,  and  pain; 
The  years  will  bring  sunshine 

Dark  days,  and  calm  rain : 
And  the  "shuttle"  of  fortune 

With   "woof"   black   or   white 
Must  pass  thru  the  "warp" 

In  the  great  "loom"  of  life. 

The  "chain"  and  the  "filling," 
Must  be  deeds  nobly  done 

For  the  sad   and  oppressed, 
As  we  journey  toward  home ! 
105 


THE    FUTURE 

The  robes  that  are  woven, 

Are  eternity's  gowns; 
Are  these  gowns  fit  for  heaven, 

Oh!  is  there  a  crown? 

Life's  journey  is  short. 

Oh,  why  are  we  proud  1 
A  cradle— a  few  years— 

A   winding    death-shroud ! 
Prepare  for  the  Future, 

Why  stand  around? 
Work  while  the  day  lasts. 

Why  encumber  the  ground? 

Then  come  to  us,  Future, 

We  are  waiting  for  thee. 
Please  unlock  thy  treasures, 

We  are  anxious  to  see. 
Alas,  when  the  Future 

Is  the  Present,  we  fear 
We'll  still  long  for  the  Future, 

The  Future    more  dear. 

106 


PEACE 

BLESSED  Peace! 

Thou  art  a  queen,  again,  on  the  throne, 
Our  nation 's  thy  realm,  please  make  it  thy  home. 

Come,  quiet  our  fears. 

We'll  weep  no  more  tears! 

The  dread  wrongs 
Lie  buried   'neath  oblivious  waves, 
Contentions  lie  low    in  their  unknown   graves, 

May  it  ever  be  so, 

While  the  years  come  and  go. 

Come,  sweet  Peace! 

In  all  the  earth  reign — in  each  heart  and  home, 
Th'  universe  thy  temple  and  heaven  thy  throne. 

Thou  art  always  man's  friend. 

May  thy  reign  never  end. 


107 


LOVE   AND  HOPE 

FLOWERS  in  letters  from  thee,  sweetheart, 

Woo  my  soul  toward  thine,  where   'er  thou  art. 

They  both  conceal  fair  cupid's  dart, 

Prom  whose  deep  wounds  I  feign  would  smart, 

As  it  quivers  in  my  aching  heart; 

I  send  thee  flowers,  may  they  impart 

The  love  that  loves  its  counterpart: 

But  souls  on  earth  must  live  apart, 

Each  one  must  sail  his  own  frail  bark. 

There  is  a  land  of  summer's  clime, 
There    all  God's  saints  in  glory  shine— 
A  land  of  love.     There  is  no  .crime,— 
There  loving  hearts  shall  never  pine. 
It  is  God's  purpose  and  design 
That  everyone  shall  be  resigned; 
Then  I'll  be  yours  and  you'll  be  mine, 
My  loving  hopes   'round  you  will  twine 
Thru  all  the  eons  of  coming  time. 
108 


A  MOONLIGHT  MEDITATION. 

AT  EVENING  tide,  from  the  river's  side, 
I  saw  the  moon  arise,  and  ride 
To  highest  heights,  and  claim  her  right 
To  rule  the  silent  hours  of  night. 

I  watched  her  gleam  upon  the  stream, 
I  loved  the  silent,  somber  scene. 
I  watched  her  raid  on  midnight  shade, 
Still  marching  on   from  glen  to  glade. 

I  tho't  and  mused  on  life's  rough  cruise 
On  unknown  seas.     Is  life  a  ruse? 
I  asked.     And  he    who  answers  me, 
No  greater  man  will  this  earth  see ! 


109 


THANKSGIVIN' 

WHEN  the  crops  hev  all  been  gathered, 
And  the  hull  year's  work  is  done, 
And  the  rabbit  'gins  to  hop  about, 
Kick  up  his  heels  in  fun, 
When  the  ice  is  freezin'  thicker, 
And  the  winter  winds  are  sighin', 
And  the  sleigh  bells  are  a  ginglin', 
And  the  year     is   'bout  a-dyin ' : 
Then  I  feel  jes  mighty  thankful, 
Settin'  in  my  home  so  warm, 
While  without  they's  howlin'  blizzards, 
Plyin'  snows  and  whirlin'  storms. 

When  they's  sausage  in  the  skillet, 
Jes  a-cisin'  and  a-fryin', 
The  flapjacks  are  a-bakin, 
And  the  coffee  pots  a-bilin', 
W7hen  they's  turkeys,  fat  and  struttin' 
In  the  barnyards,  hangin'  'round, 

110 


THANKSGIVIN ' 

Gobblin'    'bout  Thankgivin'  morning, 
When  they'll  all  be  roasted  brown; 
I  kin  celebrate  Thanksgivin ' 
E v  'ry  day  with  peace  uv  mind , 
Though  the  winter  wind  is  howlin', 
Thru  the  tall  and  stately  pine. 

When  they's  popcorn  in  the  garret, 
Fur  months  its  been  a-dryin', 
And  its  hoppin'  poppin'  music. 
Will  hush  a  baby 's  cryin ' ; 
When  they's  apples  in  the  cellar, 
Juicy,  luscious,  meller,  fine, 
Tho'ts  uv  'em  make  me  hungry, 
Fur  the  stomic  they 's  sublime ! 
My  cup's  jes  runnin'  over 
With  all  the  joys,  you  know, 
And  I'm  thankful  fur  abundance 
That  is  mine  the  hull  year  thru. 

When  they's  turnups  and  purtaters 
With  all  their  kith  and  kind, 
In  the  dim  light  uv  the  cellar 

Where  the  yaller  punkins  shine ! 

Ill 


THANKSGIVIN  * 

When  preserves  and  apple  butter, 
Jam  and  jelly,  here  you  find; 
And  the  kanned  fruit,  goodness  grachus, 
Gathered  in  from  ev'ry  clime! 
When  our  bins  are  full  to  bustin', 
And  our  hay  mows  crammed  full,  too, 
I  kin  celebrate  Thanksgivin ', 
Ev  'ry  day  the  hull  year  thru ! 

With  all  these  good  things  'round  us, 

And  with  winter's  cold  outside, 

I  will  take  some  solid  comfort, 

And  in  ease  I'll  jes  abide: 

And  I  tell  you,  I'll  be  truthful  - 

No  use  to  be  a-lyin'— 

I'm  mighty  glad  to  be  in  doors, 

While  the  winter  winds  are  sighin'; 

I  jes  love  the  situration, 

Here  with  wife  and  babies  mine, 

And  in  comfort,  peace,  and  plenty, 

We  will  pass  the  winter  time! 


112 


DO  I  LIKE  WORK? 

Do  I  like  work'?    Could  I  choose  the  job 

And  bring  returns  like  Mister  Schwab? 

A  million  a  year  as  president 

'0  the  great  steel  trust;  and  wasn't  sent 

To  prison  cell!     A  million  a  year 

Is  what  I  want;  then  I  don't  care 

For  Ophir's  gold  or  Croesus'  wealth 

Alone.    But  I'd  like  good  health. 

And  I  want  part  pay  to  be  sweet  smiles, 

Kind  words    and  deeds,  not  stacks  and  piles 

Of  lands,  or  gold  and  such  like  trash. 

For  to  deal  with  men,  I'll  try  the  cash 

That  angels  use— The  coin  of  love— 

Made,   stamped   and  sent    from   God's  mints  above. 


113 


"FOOLISHNESS   OP   PREACHING. 

IT  SEEMS  almighty  easy 

And  nice  and  bright  and  breezy 

To  occupy  a  pew, 
And  hear  a  brilliant  preacher, 
A  good  religious  teacher, 
Just  tell  you  what  to  do. 

His  platitudes  will  pelt  you, 

His  eloquence  will  melt  you, 

You  drop  a  silent  tear; 
You  seek  full  absolution, 

And  make  new  resolutions, 
To  guide  you  thru  the  year. 

But  when  you  meet  the  rabble 

In  the  streets,  again  you  dabble 

In  the  muddy  pool  of  sin. 
You  forget  your  brilliant  preacher, 

And  your  good  religious  teacher, 
And  the  Devils  slyly  grin. 


114 


OLD  OCEAN 

I  STOOD  upon  our  western  shore 
And  heard  the  ocean's  billows  roar, 
And  saw  them  toss  and  tumble  o'er 

Each  other  in  their  glee ; 
And  fret  and  foam  and  froth  and  dash, 
Right  on,  and  on,  as  if  they'd  smash 
The  rugged  rocks,  and  play  and  splash, - 

These  children  of  the  sea! 

They  now  advance,  roll    and  recede, 
They  fall  and  rise  and  rush  with  speed ; 
Like  humankind,  each  wants  to  lead 

His  fellows  in  the  fray: 
They  sparkle  in  the  morning  light, 
They  shine  like  diamonds  in  the  night, 
They  gleam  and  glint  like  jewels  bright, 

And  hurl  their  silvered  spray. 
115 


OLD    OCEAN 

Old  Ocean's  cavern's   depths   and  dells 

Hold  mysteries  she  never  tells; 

And  o'er  her  dead,  she  heaves  and  swells, 

Thru-out  unending  years. 
^The  ship  that  sailed  came  back  no  more, 
It  foundered  on  some  distant  shore 
And  human  hearts  now  sad  and  sore 

Still  weep  life's  bitter  tears! 

"Just  one  more  voyage,"  a  husband  said, 
"Another  voyage,"  a  lover  plead, 
They  sailed  away;  and  for  their  dead 

A  wife  and  maiden  weep. 
The  fleets  of  ships  from  every  land, 
The  nations'  navies,  nobly  manned, 
Are  strewn  with  crews  on  every  strand. 

0  the  graveyards  of  the  dead! 


116 


STAR  OF  BETHLEHEM 

0  STARS  of  God,  shine  on,  shine  on, 
Thru  distant  ages  yet  to  dawn, 
Illuminate  the  land  and  sea, 
Shine  on  for  God,  shine  on  for  me, 
Shine  on  thru  all  eternity. 

'But  if  the  stars  must  fade  and  fall, 
Shall  darkness  then  reign  over  all? 
One  Star,  undimmed,  shall  still  remain 
And  light  the  upward  path  of  men. 
0  guiding  Star  of  Bethlehem! 


117 


AN  ESTIMATE! 

SOME  men  love  to  study  art, 
Some  try  to  learn  of  nature, 
Some  men  would  know  the  universe, 
While  some    would  know  its  maker, 
Some  minds  pore  ©'er  philosophy 
And  some  would  study  nations, 
But  some  have  time  fur  nuthin'  else, 
But  to  gather  in  their  rations. 

The  limb  of  learnin'  I  would  climb, 
In  the  great  big  tree  of  knowledge, 
Is  one  that  teaches  me  of  men, 
Then  must  I  go  to  college  1 
0  no,  course  not,  the  throng  the  place 
To  study  fools  and  savants; 
They  pass  along  the  streets  like  sheep, 
Up  and  down  the  city's  pavements. 

118 


AN  ESTIMATE 

0,  see  'em  rush,  and  see  'em  race, 
And  hear  their  gib  and  prattle, 
They're  doin'  bis  these  mortals  think, 
Just  rushin'  on  like  cattle; 
They  tramp  upon  each  other's  necks, 
To  escape  the  curse  (?)  of  labor ; 
What  cares  this  anxious  crazy  crowd, 
Fur  Bible,  God,  or  neighbor. 

Here's  handsome  women,  "upper  crust," 
With  paint  and  powders  glowin'; 
From  little  waists  of  fools  and  knaves 
The  silken  gowns  are  flowin': 
Here's  burly  men  who  live  on  graft, 
Who 're  monarchs  of  corruption: 
Their  hearts    as  empty  as  their  heads, 
Their  stomics   full  to  bustin'. 

And  here's  the  beggar,  there's  the  dude, 
The  thief  is  somewhere  prowlin' 
And  here's  the  street  pad   on  his  beat, 
And  there's  the  fakir  howlin': 

119 


AN  ESTIMATE 

The  priest  and  preacher  may  be  seen, 
0  no,  I  speck  they're  learnin' 
Their  little  piece  fur  Sunday  next, 
While  hell  keeps  right  on  burnin'! 

Saloons  are  licensed  here  for  gold. 
Are  men  so  daft,  er  lazy, 
They  favor  this    and  other  crimes, 
Er  have  thy  all  gone  crazy? 
From  observatin',  I  decide 
We're  a  blamed,  low  set,  we  mortals, 
And  few  are  traveling  up  that  road, 
That  leads  to  heaven's  portals. 

Rich  paupers,  and  poor  millionaires, 
And  brainless  brainy,   savants, 
And  witless  wits,  and  foolish  wise, 
All  tramp  our  city  pavements; 
But  all  who  tramp  the  dirty  streets, 
Of  any  earthly  ,city, 
Among  the  men  who  think  they're  "IT" 
Are  objects  of  our  pity. 


120 


A  RESOLUTION 

THE  deep  mystery, 

The  sad  history, 
Of  life  is  hard  to  solve; 

But  never  mind, 

Be  strong,  be  kind, 
Make  this  a  stern  resolve. 

* '  Quit  you  like  men ' ' 

Till  life  shall  end. 
Enrich  that  sacred  story 

Of  the  strong  and  brave, 

Who  are  in  the  grave, 
But    whose    souls    abide    in    Glory. 


121 


MY  SWEETHEART'S  BOQUET. 

MY  BLESSED  wife,  the  joy  of  life, 

Why  came  here  to  dry  a  tear? 

To  make  the  gloom    flee  from  my  room? 

To  bring  me  cheer  to  my  study  here? 

Ah,    you've    brought    a   flower,    this   morning   hour, 
As  fresh  and  new    as  the  morning  dew, 
And  placed  it  there  near  my  study  chair, 
And  it  fills  my  room   with  its  sweet  perfume. 

Though  my  heart  was  sad,  you  made  me  glad. 
And  I've  tho't  of  you,  old  sweetheart  true, 
A  hundred  times,  while  I  wrote  my  rhymes. 
Ah,  that  small  boquet  made  a  happier  day ! 


122 


"LET  THERE  BE  LIGHT" 

MYRIAD  fires  are  kindled  in  the  sky. 

They  flash  and  gleam  thruout  the  tranquil  night, 
And  guide  the  lonely  traveler  aright 

Who  lit  those  lamps  and  hung  them  there  on  high? 

Omnipotence  built  this  temple  high,  and  hung 
These  chandeliers  to  send  their  somber  light 
Thru  all  the  rooms.  God  turns  them  on  at  night. 

A  million  years  these  lamps  of  God  have  swung 

And  flashed  and  flamed.    But  still  undimmed  by  time, 
They  pour  their  light  o'er  all,  as  in  the  hour 
When   God's  hand  placed  them  there  by  mighty 
power, 

And  said,  "Let  there  be  light,  for  these  are  mine. 

Emblazon  there  my  name  thru  all  the  years 

That  men  may  read  it  there  and  have  no  fears." 


123 


LIVELY  STOCK 

THE  crickets  in  the  tree  top 
Are  settin'  out  there  aHn', 

And  singin'  their  religious  songs 
Er  du  you  think  they're  prayin't 

The  gnats  air  allers  hungry. 

And  snappin'  at  yer  hide, 
Er  eatin'  up  yer  baby, 

That's  screamin'  by  yer  side. 

The  fleas  kin  du  some  eatin',  too, 

Their  hoppin's  worser  still, 
Uv  alls  the  beasts  I  iver  knew 

They're  the  worst  to  ketch  and  kill. 

The  bed-bug,  lean  and  hungry, 
When  yer  tucked  right  snug  in  bed, 

Will  gnaw,  and  chaw,  and  eat  yer  up, 
And  make  yer  wish  yer  dead. 
124 


LIVELY    STOCK 

The  ticks  will  stick  thru  thick  and  thin 

Much  closer  than  yer  brother; 
And  while  Pat  lasts,  their  friendship  lasts, 

They'll  hanker  fur  no  uther. 

The  chiggers  air  a  pesky  lot, 

The  reddest  little  midgets; 
But  big  gunuff  to  conquer  you, 

And  give  yer  eachin'  figets. 

These  noisy  crickets,  flees    and  ticks, 

And  gnats  and  lice  and  flies, 
Mosquitoes,  chiggers    and  their  kind, 

Will  make  the  dead  arise! 

I  niver  could  xactly  see, 
Jes  why  they  air  these  bugs, 
Begorry,  they  hev  got  the  gall 
To  eat  yer  up,  the  thugs ! 


125 


THE  OLD  HOME 

MY  HAPPY  home!  you  rest  beneath  the  summer  sky, 
All  clothed  in  living  green.    And  sweetheart,  I 
Can  catch  the  fragrance  of  the  summer  flowers 
And  scent  the  fresh  green  grass  as  in  the  hours 
(0  long  remembered,  dreamy,  golden  days.) 
When  we  together  walked  these  pleasant  ways. 
The  sun's  rays  slant  beneath  the  stately  trees 
On  sward  of  green  below.     The  gentle  breeze 
Blows  on,  with  odors  from  the  sweet  hay  fields. 
A  thousand  memories  from  the  long  past  yields 
Their  all  to  me !     Today  my  life  is  sad, 
My  heart  is  pained!     0  could  we  all  be  glad 
Twould  better  be.    Alas!  dear  ones  have  gone 
To  that  eternal  rest— we  call  it  home. 
Some  still  live  here  in  homes  moss-grown  and  gray 
With  age,  and  some  have  wandered  far  away, 
A  broken  band  is  left  of  those  we  knew, 
Strange,  strange  is  life  below:  who  would  eschew 

126 


THE  OLD  HOME 

To  live  it  o  'er  again  1    Life !  does  it  pay 

To  live  and  suffer  here  day  after  day? 

And  have  our  dearest  treasures  roughly  torn 

From  our  embrace?      "IVere  better  yet  unborn 

If  this  life  compassed  all!    We  look  beyond, 

With  eyes  of  faith,  and  feel  there  is  a  bond 

That  binds  us  all  to  God's  saved  throng. 

0  joys  immortal!     It  will  not  be  long 

When  friends  may  meet  again.     The  saved  up  there 

Can  love  to  heart's  content  without  a  tear 

To  mar  their  joy.     0  happy  vision 

Of  the  joys  untold  of  that  life  Elysian. 

Life  is  worth  all  it  costs  in  tears  and  fears 
Tho'  conflicts  wage  and  rage  a  thousand  years. 


127 


SONG  OF  FAITH 

WHEN  troubles  assail  me,  and  sorrows  oppress, 
And  my  poor  heart  is  sad  and  deep  in  distress; 
I  will  call  on  the  Lord  to  deliver  and  bless, 
His  .comfort  will  sooth  like  a  mother's  caress. 

While  we're  on  these  rough  shores  how  the  wintry 

wind  blows, 

Shall  we  ever  abide  in  this  mansion  of  woes? 
Our  Christ  will  refresh  like  the  dew  on  the  rose ; 
And  blessings  from  Him  like  a  broad  river  flows. 

I  now  ask  you,  Father,  to  help  me  be  true, 
While  the  years  pass  me  by  in  solemn  review; 
0  Lord,  take  my  hand  and  lead  me  on  thru 
This  blest  life  of  service.     May  I  live  it  for  you. 


128 


CHRISTMAS   DAY 

0  HEART  of  mine, 

''Tis  Christmas  time. 
The  bells  ring  out  their  merry  chime. 

And  all  mankind, 
In  every  clime, 
Rejoice  again,  at  Christmas  time. 

0  hallowed  day, 

Our  holiday, 

A  man  was  born  who  dared  to  say; 
"I  am  the  life,  the  truth,  the  way." 
But  on  that  day, 
Our  Savior  lay, 
Upon  the  hay, 
(Christ's  natal  day) 
That  first,  and  holiest,  Christmas  day! 


A   CALIFORNIA  NEWCOMER. 

I'M  STAYING  in  California  now, 

The  far-famed  golden  state, 
Where  they  advertise  thruout  the  world, 

A  fortune  "while  you  wait," 
They  boast   about  their   fruit   and   flowers, 

Their  fields  of  waving  grain, 
But  never  say  a  single  word 

About  the  need  of  rain ! 

Sometimes,  it  rains  in  winter  time, 

Sometimes  there's  scarce  a  drop 
To  be  a-soaking  up  the  earth, 

For  to  raise  another  crop. 
The  dust  is  geting  half  knee  deep, 

The  sun  is  blazing  hot. 
0  where's  the  shade  to  woller  in, 

0  where's  a  grassy  spot? 
130 


A   CALIFORNIA   NEWCOMER. 

Where  are  the  wild  flowers,  fresh  and  new, 

Upon  a  thousand  hills? 
Where  is  the  meadow's  morning  dew? 

Where  are  the  singing  rills? 
I  long  to  hear  the  chattering  squirrel, 

The  sweet  songs  of  the  birds, 
A  thousand  voices  of  the  wood 

These  deserts  never  heard. 

0  give  to  me  my  native  land, 

Where  corn  and  cotton  grow; 
Where  joys  untold  attend  my  way, 

And  men  don't  live  for  show: 
Ah,  there  beneath  her  stately  trees, 

Beside  her  silver  streams, 
Just  let  me  rest  in  sweet  content, 

And  dream  life's  happy  dreams! 


131 


LIFE   CONTINUED 

When  suns  grow  dim, 
And  stars  do  fall, 

God's  soverign  hand 
Still  rules  o'er  all. 

And  men  shall  live, 
Love,  and  aspire 

When  this  old  world 
Is  burned  with  fire. 


132 


I  AM  TIRED 

I  AM  tired  of  the  world, 

Its  hurry  and  flurry, 
I  am  tired  of  its  waste, 

Its  want  and  its  worry, 
I  am  tired  of  its  work, 

Its  flurry  and  hurry, 
But  I  haven't  grown  tired  of  its  love. 

I  am  tired  of  its  toil, 

Its  tears  and  its  treasures, 
I  am  tired  of  its  play, 

Its  pains  and  its  pleasures, 
I  am  tired  of  its  meetings, 

Its  men  and  its  measures, 
But  I  haven't  grown  tired  of  its  love. 

I  am  tired  of  its  .calmness, 
Its  crimes  and  its  horror, 

I  am  tired  of  its  shame, 

Its  shadows  and  sorrow, 
133 


I   AM    TIRED 

I  am  tired  of  its  trials, 

And  hopes  of  tomorrow, 
But  I  haven't  grown  tired  of  its  love. 

I  am  tired  of  its  dogmas, 

And  constant  .commanding, 

I  am  tired  of  its  sin, 

Its  sinning  and  shamming, 

I  am  tired  of  its  power, 

Its  patience  and  planning, 

But  I  haven't  grown  tired  of  its  love. 

I  am  tired  of  its  bane, 

Its  battles  and  blunders, 

I  am  tired  of  its  storms, 

Its  lightnings  and  thunders, 

I  am  tired  of  its  mighty  works, 
Puzzles  and  wonders, 

But  I  haven't  grown  tired  of  its  love. 


134 


A  JUNE  VISIT 

BLEST  month  is  here.     The  birds  are  glad  and  gay. 
Bright  flowers  spring  up  and  shed  their  soft  perfumes. 
The  singing  brooks  glide  down  the  winding  vales 
Toward  river 's  brim,  and  hush  at  last  their  songs 
In  ocean's  roar.    The  stars  look  down  at  night. 
The  full  faced  moon  smiles  slyly  on  the  world. 
Each  livelong  day  the  sun  ascends  on  high, 
And  climbs  adown  his  golden  stairs  at  eve ; 
And  shadows  fall  around  this  mundane  sphere, 
Arid  ticking  clocks  tell  tales  of  passing  time. 

Oh,  how  we  talked  of  happy  days  gone  by, 
Of  childhood's  home,  and  those  who  loved  us  there, 
Of  friends  who  live  in  many  lands  afar, 
Of  friends  who  sleep  beneath  the  summer  flowers. 
We  talked  of  hope,  that  ever  lures  man  on, 
Toward  distant  goal.     Sometimes  we  sailed 
On  seas  of  doubt  and  wept  life's  bitter  tears. 

135 


A  JUNE  VISIT 

In  one  brief  month  we  lived,  again,  a  score 

Of  years,  or  more.    Alas  it  sped  away 

As  if  it  flew  on  speed's  own  wings,  away. 

The  month  is  gone,  this  June  of  nineteen  two, 

And  now  I'll  fly  away  toward  setting  sun. 

Peace  be  with  thee.     May  angels  guard  thy  way. 

Heaven  bless  thee!     And  when  the  world  is  drear, 

And  desolate,  and  friends  are  very  few, 

Then  think  of  brother's  love,  as  fresh  and  new 

As  morning  dew,  when  springtime  brings  its  joys. 

Be  true,  my  dear,  and  may  you  all  be  true, 

Reach  up  toward  heaven,  and  grasp  that  guiding  hand 

That  rules  the  world  and  guards  our  destiny. 

Should  fate  de-cree    our  paths  must  separate  be, 
And  we  should  dwell  full  many  miles  apart, 
Then  let  us  think  of  days  gone  by  too  soon, 
Of  days  to  come  ere  long  when  we  shall  go 
"Where  all  mankind  must  go— and  dwell  with  those 
Who  love  us  still.     Good  by,  my  dear,  adieu. 


136 


DEDICATED  TO  KERN  RIVER  OIL  MEN 

HIGH  derricks,  hard  toil, 
Great  pipe  lines,  black  oil, 
Big  reservoirs,  tanks, 
In  front,  rear    and  flank; 
And  shanties  galore, 
Roof,  four  walls   and  floor. 
With  furniture  scant— 
One  little  house  plant,— 
A  meager  life  fare, 
Are  what  we  have  here, 
Among  those  wrho  toil 
And  go  boring  for  oil. 

But  our  boys  and  our  girls, 
With  their  ringlets  and  curls, 
Are  as  good  as  the  best 
By  any  fair  test; 
137 


DEDICATED    TO    KERN    RIVER    OIL    MEN 

Our  women  are  as  fair 
As  they  are  anywhere; 
And  an  honester  set 
Of  men,  I'll  just  bet, 
Can  nowhere  be  found 
In  country  or  town, 
Than  they  who  here  toil, 
In  this  dirty,  black  oil. 

This  chap  recommends 

To  his  millionaire  friends, 

(And  I'll  tell  you  'tis  true 

That  they're  very  FEW) 

If  sad  with  remorse, 

To  simply  endorse 

The  good  honest  way 

That's  in  vogue  here  today, 

Among  sturdy  hands 

That  execute  plans 

Of  the  wily  oil  kings, 

With  their  big  diamond  rings. 


138 


DEDICATED    TO    KERN    RIVER    OIL    MEN 

Better  live  in  a  shack, 
Than  forever  to  lack 
The  heaven-born  love 
That  comes  from  above; 
And  have  horny  hands, 
And  execute  plans 
Of  a  kerosene  king, 
Than  to  stoop  to  a  thing 
That's  low,  mean  and  base, 
To  win  in  the  race. 

//  you're  honest    and  true 
You  can  forge  your  way  thru. 


139 


AN  ANGEL'S  KISS 

TABLE  's  .cleared  and  supper 's  over ; 
Stock's  turned  out  in  fields  of  clover. 
Fireflies  lighting  up  the  bushes; 
Bullfrogs  croaking  in  the  rushes ; 
Prayers  are  said  and  good  byes  spoken ; 
And  the  family  circle's  broken; 
Tired  brows  rest  upon  the  cushion, 
Dozing,  dreaming    in  confusion. 
Half  hear  angel 's  feet  a-tapping, 
Tripping  softly  on  the  matting 
Feel  a  stroke  of  angel-fingers 
On  my  hair.    A  sweet  kiss  lingers 
On  my  lips.     0  heaven's  enchantment! 
Love's  young  dream  of  sweet  contentment ! 
Bliss  of  heaven  and  I  awaken ! 
Heaven  of  bliss!  was  I  mistaken? 
Oh  no,  no,  'twas  my  sweetheart 's  fingers 
Stroked  my  hair ;  and  her  kiss  still  lingers 
On  my  lips.     'Tis  my  love  of  living— 
Mutual  love,  receiving,  giving. 

140 


WILL  YOU  MISS  M3E? 

WHEN  the  sweet  perfume  is  wafted 
From  the  meadow,  heath  and  moor, 
By  the  zephrs  gently  blowing 
Thru  the  open  cottage  door; 
When  the  earth  is  sweetly  resting 
In  the  arms  of  spring's  warm  sun, 
Do  you  think  that  you  will  miss  me, 
Will  you  miss  me  when  I'm  gone? 

When  you  take  a  morning  ramble 
AY  here  our  children  used  to  play, 
Down  beside  the  friendly  elms, 
There  they  loitered  many  a  day; 
When  you  stroll  thru  field  and  orchard, 
Where  the  birds  their  love  songs  sung, 
Do  you  think  that  you  will  miss  me, 
Will  you  miss  me  when  I'm  gone? 

141 


WILL  YOU  MISS  ME? 

When  you  sit  beside  the  window, 
And  earth's  mingled  sounds  you  hear, 
And  the  tho'ts  of  old  companions 
Bring  to  you  a  silent  tear ; 
When  you  sit  there  in  the  gloaming, 
When  your  long  day's  work  is  done, 
Do  you  think  that  you  will  miss  me, 
Will  you  miss  me  when  I  'm  gone  1 

When  the  shades  of  evening  gather 
'Bound  our  home,  where  you  and  me, 
Used  to  occupy  the  arm-chair, 
Rocking,  singing   in  our  glee; 
While  the  stars  came  out  to  watch  us, 
From  that  star  bespangled  dome : 
Do  you  think  that  you  will  miss  me, 
Will  you  miss  me  when  I'm  gone? 

When  you  play  on  the  piano, 
Will  you  sing  songs,  soft  and  low, 
Songs  that  we  have  sung  together, 
In  the  happy  long  ago? 

142 


WILL   YOU    MISS   ME! 

Let  the  music  softly  echo 
Thru  the  rooms  of  our  old  home. 
Do  you  think  that  you  will  miss  me, 
Will  you  miss  me  when  I'm  gone? 

When  you  read  the  sacred  Scripture, 
And  you  kneel  at  eve  to  pray, 
Thanking  God  for  all  His  goodness, 
Leading  you  another  day: 
Then  the  good  night  kiss  is  given, 
Ah,  alas!  all  miss  that  one! 
Ah,  I  know  that  you  will  miss  me, 
Sadly  miss  me  when  I'm  gone! 


GOD'S  SOLDIERS 

WHEN  all  my  dears  prepare  for  bed, 
Tired  wife  and  weary  boys, 

There's  sure  to  be  a  storm  ahead, 
And  lots  of  roguish  noise. 

When  play  is  done  in  quiet  rest 
They  close  their  heavy  eyes, 

While  angels  guard  our  little  nest, 
God's  soldiers  of  the  skies. 


144 


THOTS  OF  GOD 

THE  stars  spell  out  God's  name 

In  fire  and  flame. 
The  mountains  towering  high 

Shout,  "God  is  nigh." 
Wherever  oceans  roll, 

God's  name  is  told. 
Little  flowers  everywhere 

Lisp,  "God  is  here." 
The  tumbling  waterfall 

Obeys  God's  .call. 
Men  cannot  live  apart 

From  God's  own  heart. 
The  savage  in  his  den, 

Must  worship  Him, 
The  cultured  Christian  man 

Heeds  God's  command, 
God  loves  poor  fallen  man 

In  every  land. 
145 


THO'TS  OF  GOD 

God  always  loves  you,  men, 

Do  you  love  Him1? 
Man  will  pray,  evermore, 

On  every  shore, 
On  life's  great  battle  field, 

God  is  a  shield. 
In  all  earth's  broad  domains 

God's  mercy  reigns. 
Let  men  and  angels  sing 

Of  Him,  our  King. 
Jehovah  is  the  name 

M'en  will  proclaim, 
God's  way  should  be  our  way 

For  life's  short  day, 
If  I  live  on  land  or  sea 

God  comforts  me. 
For  the  crown  that  He  will  give 

Let  us  love  and  live. 
Just  be  patient,  kind  and  true. 

He'll  lead  you  thru. 


146 


WE  PART  TO  MEET  AGAIN 

LAST  NIGHT  I  said  ' '  Good  bye. ' '    The  shadows  fell 

Around  our  home  and  broke  the  happy  spell 

Of  sunshine.  Ah,  around  my  heart  as  well, 

A  shadow  cast  its  gloom ;  for  who  can  tell 

But  hours  may  grow  to  months,  and  months  to  years, 

Before  I  see  your  face  again?    My  tears 

May  fall ;  my  heart  cry  out  from  depths  unknown. 

If  I,  henceforth,  should  tread  life's  path  alone. 

My  muse  is  sad  today !    Tomorrow,  dear, 

Our  paths  shall  cross  again,  let  us  not  fear. 

Fond  lover's  lips  shall  press  each  other  then. 

And  love  shall  be  our  passion  once  again. 

Oh,  Arbiter  of  man,  thy  vigils  keep, 

If  we  shall  roam  the  land,  or  sail  the  deep. 


147 


WIND,  EARTHQUAKE,  FIRE,  VOICE 
i 

'Tis  noon.    Intensest  heat  holds  sway 
And  shimmers  on  the  hills  away. 
The  flowers  droop  low  in  field  and  fell. 
No  song  is  heard  from  wooded  dell, 
The  birds  are  mute  within  the  copse ; 
Insects  are  hid  among  the  rocks : 
Death  stillness  reigns  thruout  the  land. 
Look,  yonder !  hurrying  clouds,  like  bands 
Of  soldiers,  madly  rushes  on, 
Marshalling  forces,  for  a  storm. 
The  lightnings  flash,  the  thunders  roar, 
The  tempests  moan,  the  torrents  pour. 
Like  a  hungry  beast,  mad,  wild  for  blood, 
The  frenzied  storm  pours  forth  its  flood. 
With  awful  din,  the  mad  cyclone 
Destroys  man's  all,  lays  waste  his  home, 
The  wand  of  desolation  wields. 
Devours  his  cities,  forests,  fields. 

148 


WIND,   EARTHQUAKE,   FIRE,   VOICE 

His  strongest  buildings  quiver,  crash, 
And  fall,  in  ruins,  with  mighty  crash. 
And  man  is  left  crushed,  bleeding,  dead. 
But  worlds  move  on  above  his  head : 
And  calm,  fair  days  will  follow  on. 
Poor  man  alone  is  left  to  morn ! 

n 

One  day  our  world  was  glad  and  gay, 

Sweet  music  floated  on  the  air, 

Bright  flowers,  ripe  fruit,  were  everywhere, 
Then  dawned  on  man  an  awful  day: 

A  thud  of  power  is  heard  below, 

And  distant  mutterings  strike  the  air; 
All  life  is  seized  with  dreath- white  fear, 

The  stolid  earth  sways  to  and  fro. 

The  rugged  hills,  and  mountains  quake, 
Like  flowers  that  feel  the  driving  rain, 
When  thunders  rumble  o'er  the  plain, 

And  storms  disturb  the  placid  lake. 

Earth  heaves,  again,  with  mightier  power. 
It  rises,  shakes,  rocks,  reels  and  falls, 
Like  evening's  shadows    on  home  walls. 

Each  moment  seems  as  many  hours ! 

149 


WIND,  EARTHQUAKE,  FIRE,  VOICE 

The  earth  is  left  scarred,  crushed  and  torn, 
Fair  cities  lay  prostrate  and  dead, 
Companion  worlds  move  on   o'er  head. 

And  man  alone  is  left  to  mourn ! 


in 

While  I  mused,  the  fire  was  bright 
In  the  old  fire  place  at  night, 
And  I  lived  again  the  scenes 
Of  past  days,  and  dreamed  sweet  dreams, 
Hark,  the  fire-alarm  is  given, 
Thru  the  streets  fleet  steeds  are  driven. 
With  the  ladders,  hose,  all  means, 
To  apply  the  quenching  streams. 
But  the  hungry,  crackling  flames 
Laugh  defiance  at  water-mains, 
Run   and  leap,  devouring  all. 
Massive  buildings   crash  and  fall, 
Desolation,  wide  and  deep, 
Borders  every  alley,  street. 
Then  a  hundred  thousand  souls 
Penniless  must  face  the  cold, 
Howling  winds  blow,  rains   descend. 
Mother  Nature  acts  the  fiend, 
Just  when  mankind  needs  a  friend ! 

160 


WIND,    EARTHQUAKE,   FIRE,   VOICE 

poor  man  is  left  to  mourn, 
Shelterless,  out  in  the  storm ! 

IV 

The  elements  have  howled  and  raved, 

And  ruined,  and  roared,  and  rushed,  and  played. 

They  heartlessly  have  murdered  men 

And  taken  home,  and  all,  from  them! 

Then  calm  days  surely  followed  on. 

But,  why  must  man  so  sorely  mourn  ? 

Ah,  when  he  weeps  life's  bitter  tears, 

'Tis  then  "the  still  small  voice,"  he  hears. 

He  knows  the  voice  and  why  'tis  given. 

A  soothing  voice.    It  comes  from  heaven: 

The  Lord  shall  wipe  away  our  tears 

And  comfort  us,  dispel  our  fears, 

And  make  us  happy  in  our  loss, 

And  make  us  glad  to  bear  our  cross. 

He'll   give   us   hope,    and   lead   us   on, 

Toward  golden  ages   that  shall  dawn, 

When  earth,  and  stars,  shall  cease  to  be. 

And  we  shall  live,  love  and  be  free 

From  all  earth's  turmoil,  toil  and  storm, 

Ah,  then !  all  men  will  cease  to  mourn! 


151 


TWO  LOVERS 

THE  sun  is  set.     Dark  gray  clouds  streak  the  sky. 

Fair  cities  seem  to  nestle  there  on  high. 

Tinkling  bells  are  heard  below.     The  droaning  bees 

Are  home  again.     The  boughs  of  giant  trees 

Droop  low  and  dream.     The  Katydid's  wild  whir, 

The  whippoorwilPs  sad  word  are  on  the  air. 

The  crickets  chirp  upon  the  hearth.    The  stars 

Shine  out  just  like  a  thousand  fires. 

All  else  is  still.    Then  Mister  Dew  appears 

And  takes  his  seat  upon  a  leaf.    He  fears 

Miss  Moonbeam  may  not  .come,  but  prays  she  may. 

The  last  I  saw  of  them  'twas  shining  day. 

Still  sitting  there,  they  were   upon  the  grass 

And  looking  shy,  like  lovers,  while  I  passed. 


152 


BEAUTIES  OF  THE  GRAND  CANYON 

WONDERFUL  land  of  the  Rockies, 
Land  of  the  Titan  and  genii, 
Mute  as  the  dawn  of  creation, 
Under  the  same  high  and  blue  sky: 
Stretching  away  in  the   distance, 
Like  the  dreams  of  a  happy  young  heart, 
Tinted  with  morning's  bright  colors. 
0  picture  of  exquisite  art! 

Grand,  magnificent  Canyon, 
Where  flows  that  wild,  matchless  stream, 
That  races  its  way  thru  the  mountains, 
Where  earth  in  its  making  is  seen: 
Where  temple,  cathedral,  and  castle, 
Minaret,  steeple,  and  dome, 
Were  carved  by  the  mighty  world  builders, 
From  mountains  on  mountains  of  stone. 

153 


BEAUTIES    OF    THE    GRAND    CANYON 

Their  architecture    was  perfect, 
Their  painters   were  not  amateurs, 
Their  beauty,  men  never  have  equalled, 
Their  work,  thru  the  ages,  endures. 
Angelo,  Phidias  and  Reubens, 
Goetha,  Melanehton,  and  Gray, 
And  thousands  of  men  in  all  ages, 
AVere  masters  of  men,  in  their  day; 

But  their  work  will  fade— it  will  crumble, 
And  men  will  forget  all  the  Past, 
But  this  art  in  the  heart  of  the  Rockies, 
Is  carved  from  the  granite  that  lasts. 
Milleniums  may  pass  o'er  our  planet, 
Our  maps  and  our  world  will  be  changed, 
But  the  Canyon,  out  in  the  wild  mountains, 
O  Lord,  let  it  ever  remain! 

There  men    see  the  earth   in  its  making^- 
So  mighty,  majestic  and  solemn-; 
Its  massive,  eternal    foundations- 
Facade,  and  turret,  and  column. 

154 


BEAUTIES   OP    THE   GRAND    CANYON 

Tis  building  thru  all  the  long  ages, 
Unfinished;  completed,  it  seems, 
The  masterpiece   'mong  earth's  great  wonders 
Of  canyon,  and  mountain,  and  stream. 

The  genius  of  God  is  unfolding 
Just  now  as  in  ages  agone. 
Dissolving,  revolving,  evolving, 
Unmaking,  and  making,  our  home. 
Shall  the  architrave  of  this  planet, 
Be  surpassed  in  the  ages  to  come? 
This  Canyon,  these  Mountains,  this  River. 
O  trinity  of  wonders  in  one ! 


166 


THE  VETERAN  CHRISTIAN 
DEDICATED  TO  FATHER  BRISTOL 

(Rev.  Sherlock  Bristol  was  born  in  Connecticut  in  1814, 
died  in  California,  September,  1906.  He  was  loved  by  all. 
Though  nearly  ninety-two  years  of  age  when  he  died,  he 
was  as  active  as  ever  in  his  Lord's  service  until  24  hours 
before  his  death.  "He  rests  from  his  labors  and  his  works 
do  follow  him.'") 

LIKE  Enoch  of  old  he  walked  with  his  Lord, 

Confidingly  leaned  on  Him,  and  His  word, 

Pie,  measured  by  men,  was  a  prince  among  men. 

A  plumed  Knight  of  God;  but  not  without  sin. 

Like  men,  he  had  faults,  but  his  heart  was  bent 

To  finish  the  work   for  which  he  was  sent. 

From  youth  to  the  grave,  he  was  found  at  his  post, 

Like  Jesus  of  Nazareth,  saving  the  lost. 

He  was  one  of  the  Guards  that  stood  by  his  Creed, 

He  went  on  thru  life,  long  sowing  the  seed, 

And   gathering  the   sheaves,   in   the   Lord's   harvest 

field. 

A  bounteous  harvest  was  ever  the  yield. 
At  last  he  was  taken,  like  Enoch  of  old, 
To  abide  in  that  Beautiful  City  of  gold. 

156 


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